Trial Set in Akon's Fan-Tossing Case
Wed., Sep. 3, 2008 9:11 AM PDT by Gina Serpe
Looks like Akon may get Konvicted after all.
The rapper has been ordered to stand trial on charges of endangering the welfare of a child and second-degree harassment stemming from his actions at a June 2007 concert in New York state in which he allegedly hurled a teenage fan offstage, resulting in a concussion to a separate concertgoer.
Fishkill Town Justice Harold Epstein ordered Akon, who was present in court for today's 9 a.m. hearing, to return to Fishkill Justice Court Dec. 1 for the start of the jury trial.
He faces a maximum of one year and 15 days behind bars if convicted on both charges.
However, should the rapper wish to avoid the P.R. nightmare of a trial, Dutchess County Assistant District Attorney Anthony Parisi requested that Akon's attorney, Andrea Zellan, attempt to reach a deal within the next two weeks, before notices are mailed out to potential jurors.
The rapper's lawyers seemed to second the idea of settling the case sans trial, releasing a statement shortly after the hearing indicating they would like a swift resolution to the proceedings.
"We are pleased that Judge Epstein adjourned the case to a date certain for either a trial or a negotiated resolution," the statement read. "Akon looks forward to putting this incident behind him, and in the meantime, he will continue to meet every requirement set forth by the court."
Related Stories
The Big Picture
All Growed Up Guess Zac has officially adopted the smoldering look, 'cause we haven't seen a smile in weeks
More PhotosMost Commented
- Bitch-Back! Breaking News—Johnny's a Hottie (916)
- Rob and Kristen "Relaxed" Together in NYC (673)
- Costars and Suits Give Robsten Their Blessings! (650)
- Rob Flies Back to L.A. With Kristen (592)
- Truth, Lies & Ted: Twilight Special (478)
- Why Won't Sarah Palin Go Away? (448)
- Adam Lambert: For Your Entertainment—or His? (439)
- Is New Moon Even Good? (425)
- Review: New Moon Is Either Just Fine or Way Mopey, Depending On Who You Are (366)
- Bitch-Back! Is There Drama on the Gossip Girl Set? (345)
Top 10 Stories
- Dancing With the Stars: A New Winner Raises the Disco Ball
- J.Lo's Ex: There's "Maybe One Spanking," but I'm Not Selling a Sex Tape
- Nicole Richie Back in Her Own Bed
- GMA Doesn't Want Adam Lambert's Sloppy Seconds...Cue The Early Show!
- Goodbye or Good Riddance to Jon & Kate Plus 8?
- Oprah's Mom Settles Clothes Call Lawsuit
- Rihanna Sings Threesome, Avoids Going Naked on GMA
- Michael Lohan Runs Out of Family Members to Alienate, Starts Leaking Jon Gosselin Tapes
- It's a Sexy Job, but Adam Lambert's Gotta Do It!
- Donny Discovers Parts He Never Had Before for Dancing With the Stars Finale
Fashion Police
Sloppy SuitingGwyneth dares to experiment with hard-to-wear satin, but the result is dull and unpolished
More PhotosLatest Movie Reviews
Our Partners
- Huffington Post
-
Amber Rose Gets Zipped Into Her Dress By Random Partygoer (PHOTOS)
Amber Rose, Kanye West's girlfriend, made a tight squeeze into her dress for a screening o... more >> -
Ben Kingsley To Play Shah Jahan, Emperor Who Built Taj Mahal
HONG KONG — Ben Kingsley, famous for his Oscar-winning portrayal of Indian independence h... more >> -
Bradley Cooper & Renee Zellweger's Date: Salad & A Movie
The casually dressed couple "was very nice -- and Renee was so sweet," their waitress... more >> - Read more at HuffingtonPost.com »
- PopEater
-
Watch: 25 Years of Oprah's Enthusiastic Screams
Oprah Winfrey is known for her enthusiasm when it comes to her celebrity friends and FunnyorDie... more >> -
Photos: Imagine These Dysfunctional Hollywood Thanksgivings
Thanksgiving is a time of turkey and stuffing, football and family drama. And at PopEater we li... more >> -
Adam Lambert Says 'I Could Be Role Model or Somebody's Worst Nightmare'
Even before his 'American Music Awards' performance became the most talked about musi... more >> - Read more at PopEater.com »




0 Comments
Now loading...