LOS ANGELES : Judge Postpones Decision on Heidi Fleiss Retrial
A Superior Court judge on Friday postponed announcing her decision on whether to grant a new trial to convicted madam Heidi Fleiss.
Judge Judith Champagne had been expected to rule on whether alleged juror misconduct was so egregious that it warranted holding a new trial. But the proceedings were canceled and tentatively rescheduled for March 24, and Champagne offered no explanation.
Earlier this week, Champagne heard testimony from two jurors in the case who admitted that they had discussed the case outside the jury room and discussed what type of sentence Fleiss faced, in violation of the judge’s orders.
“I think we would all agree there was misconduct,” Champagne said Monday. “The question is whether it is the type of misconduct that led to prejudice against the defendant.”
Fleiss was convicted in December of three counts of pandering, which carries a mandatory prison sentence of more than eight years.
Fleiss’ attorneys have pressed for a new trial, claiming the verdict was tainted.
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