Lawyer Knew of Client’s Role in Kidnapping, Prosecutors Say

The lawyer for fugitive Jesse James Hollywood learned that his client was involved in the kidnapping of a 15-year-old boy, but never called police and the boy was later killed, prosecutors allege in court documents.

Hollywood contacted Simi Valley attorney Stephen Hogg hours after the kidnapping of Nicholas Markowitz of West Hills on Aug. 6, according to sealed court papers made public this month.

Prosecutors say they learned of Hogg’s involvement through a Hollywood family friend, John Roberts, who told investigators he was contacted by Hogg for advice on how to persuade Hollywood to let the victim go.

Neither Hogg nor Roberts could be reached for comment.

The court papers were filed in connection with the grand jury indictment of Hollywood and four other defendants in the killing of Markowitz, who was shot nine times and left for dead Aug. 8 near a rural Santa Barbara County trail.

Prosecutors said they offered immunity to Hoggs, but that he refused to testify, citing attorney-client privilege and his rights against self-incrimination.

Hollywood allegedly masterminded the kidnapping because of a $36,000 marijuana debt owed by Nicholas’ older brother, Benjamin. Along with Hollywood, four others have been indicted on charges of murder and kidnapping. The four are in custody and will be arraigned Dec. 7.