Unfortunately, the vicious cycle of celebrity prescription drug abuse has captivated the media for decades.  As I note in a piece that ran in the Daily Journal – “The High Cost of Celebrity Healthcare” – far too many stars have died from drug overdoses and it appears there’s no end in sight.  One such celebrity, Anna Nicole Smith, had her life turned upside down after the nearly simultaneous death of her son, Daniel and birth of her daughter, Dannielynn. During this time of mourning, Smith turned to her rehabilitation ‘care team’ which included Drs. Khristine Eroshevich and Sandeep Kapoor and lawyer-lover Howard K. Stern. In her fragile emotional state and with help from the trio, Anna Nicole became dependent on several prescription medications to allegedly treat anxiety, depression and physical pain. After a trial lasting nearly two months, a jury dismissed charges against Kapoor but convicted Stern and Eroshevich on several felony counts; Eroshevich for obtaining medication through fraud and Stern for conspiracy – aiding and abetting. This is only the first step to make those who irresponsibly dispense medication pay for their careless actions.  There’s still more to come in this saga when sentencing for Eroshevich and Stern takes place Read More …

A Rose Bowl brawl before last Saturday’s annual UCLA – USC football matchup led to 2 hospitalizations and several arrests.  On Thursday, Anthony Richard Cisneros (22) pled ‘not guilty’ to attempted murder.  The two victims are Pasadena resident, Vimal Patel (24), who suffered 8 stab wounds in the back, and Simi Valley resident, Joshua Dirling (27), who received a stab wound in the cheek.  Cisneros’ two siblings, Arthur (25) and Akira (24) also pled ‘not guilty’ to assault charges. According to the District Attorney’s office, Anthony could face a maximum of life in prison with parole, while Arthur and Akira can be sentenced up to four years.  The father of the three suspects, Arturo (44), was also arrested Sunday on suspicion of attempted murder in the stabbings, but was released Tuesday while detectives continued their investigation.  Two other men were charged with resisting arrest.  Stay tuned . . .