Media Links **NO DISCUSSION HERE PLEASE **

[Angel Who Cares]

UPDATED: Anthony Received $200K From ABC
State May Have To Pay For Casey Anthony's Defense
POSTED: Thursday, March 18, 2010
UPDATED: 6:49 pm EDT March 18,2010
<snipped>
Orange County Circuit Court Judge Stan Strickland presided over the hearing and asked the defense to provide an itemized list by Friday detailing how they have spent the $275,000 Anthony has already paid in fees and costs.

It was disclosed in court on Thursday that ABC News paid Anthony $200,000. Of the remaining money, $5,000 came from a donor whom attorney Jose Baez did not identify and $70,000 was given by California-based attorney Todd Macaluso, who has since said he has withdrawn from Anthony's case. Baez said Macaluso provided the funds to help defray defense costs.

Strickland said he will decide if the state should pay for Anthony's defense costs after reviewing the list.

Attorney Cheney Mason, who recently joined the defense team, said the public defender's office cannot afford to pay for the case, and Anthony's defense team will work pro bono.

Baez also said the money that Anthony has provided has already been spent on fees and costs related to the case. Those costs will now have to be explained.

Meanwhile, new evidence that the state of Florida did not want Anthony&#8217;s defense team to see immediately has been unsealed. The state said the notes and conversations are relevant to the case but added that they are not a confession from Anthony. Baez has 15 days to review the new evidence and decide if the defense will ask the court to block its release.

Also, the state attorney's office told Local 6 that it will be releasing about 1,000 pages of new documents in the case later this week or next week. It's not clear, though, what information the documents contain.
*Much more at link!

Video: Anthony Recieved 200K From ABC 2:41
http://www.clickorlando.com/video/22882154/index.html

Video: Anthony Defense Fund Source Revealed 1:43
http://www.clickorlando.com/video/22878667/index.html

Article:
http://www.clickorlando.com/news/22874545/detail.html

 

[Angel Who Cares]

UPDATED: Casey's $200,000 From Network Spent For Legal Defense
Thursday, March 18, 2010 6:16:54 PM
<snipped>
A new attorney is now on Casey Anthony's team. But he said his client is flat broke, and that&#8217;s why they said they need the public to pay the rest of her court fees.

Before a decision is made, Judge Stan Strickland wants to see where every dollar up until this point has been spent.

For the first time Thursday, we're learning how Anthony has paid for her legal expenses so far, and how much this case may end up costing taxpayers.

At one point Anthony had $275,000, which her newest lawyer, J. Cheney Mason, said isn&#8217;t much. &#8220;You might think it is if somebody was handed that, but a defense in a case like this normally costs in the millions," Mason said.

Anthony made a deal with ABC for $200,000 for exclusive photo licensing rights.

An unknown individual also made a $5,000 donation and former attorney Todd Macaluso gave $70,000.

*I'll add link later! It won't open for me right now!
Video: 'Broke' With A New Attorney

Video: Hearing On Casey&#8217;s Legal Fees
http://www.cfnews13.com/MediaPlayer...YRxCasey_031820101012&cat=Local&title=Hearing On Casey&#8217;s Legal Fees

Article:
http://www.cfnews13.com/News/Local/2010/3/18/is_casey_broke.html

 

[Angel Who Cares]

UPDATED: Decision Delayed In Anthony Indigency Hearing
Accused Murderer Goes Before Judge Thursday Regarding Financing Defense
POSTED: 6:22 am EDT March 18, 2010
UPDATED: 2:26 pm EDT March 18, 2010
<snipped>
A judge said he would need more information before he could decide whether or not to declare Casey Anthony indigent during a hearing Thursday morning.

Judge Stan Strickland asked Casey Anthony's defense team to provide an itemized list, of how their attorney's fees have been spent.

During the indigency hearing, a prominent lawyer was introduced as part of Anthony's defense team. Cheney Mason, a long-time Orlando defense attorney, has joined the Anthony defense.

Both Lyon and Baez said they had no knowledge of any book or movie deals.

The prosecution pressed Baez about money from a deal made with ABC News. "$200,000 came from a deal that was done by my client through the American Broadcasting Company," Baez said.

Baez said there are no future deals under consideration with any news or television company.
*More At Link!

Images: Anthony Indigency Hearing 1-13
http://www.wesh.com/slideshow/news/22876299/detail.html

Video: Casey Anthony Arrives At Hearing 0:25
Casey Anthony arrives at her indigency hearing on Thursday.
http://www.wesh.com/video/22876509/index.html

Video: Casey Anthony Attends Hearing 0:32
http://www.wesh.com/video/22876663/

Video: Andrea Lyon Testifes In Indigency Hearing 5:16
Andrea Lyon testifies in Casey Anthony's indigency hearing on Thursday.
http://www.wesh.com/video/22877048/index.html

Video: Jose Baez Testifies In Indigency Hearing 16:37
http://www.wesh.com/video/22877691/index.html

Video: Defense Attorney Cheney Mason Speaks 2:20
Defense attorney Cheney Mason addresses Judge Stan Strickland in the Casey Anthony indigency hearing.
http://www.wesh.com/video/22876847/index.html

Video: Watch Top Stories On WESH 2 News on CW18 11:04
Casey Anthony case covered at 9:10 into video!
http://www.wesh.com/video/22874464/index.html

Article:
http://www.wesh.com/news/22874392/detail.html

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Casey Anthony: Should the public help pay for her legal bills?
Check back at 11 a.m. for live video and to chat about the Casey Anthony hearing.
8:30 a.m. EDT, March 18, 2010
<snipped>
In 2008, Casey Anthony had no job, no assets and had been busted for stealing checks from a friend &#8212; all while her 2-year-old daughter was missing.

But the single mother who is now charged with killing her daughter, Caylee Marie, has somehow managed to provide more than $110,000 for her legal defense.

So it may have been no surprise that some members of the public were outraged and baffled when Anthony's attorneys recently requested that she be declared indigent &#8212; more than a year after being indicted on a first-degree murder charge.

Already, the Justice Administrative Commission, the state entity that doles out the public funds used in criminal cases, said it has "severe concerns" with Anthony's request.

Anthony signed affidavits indicating fees of $89,454.83 and $22,500 have been paid or will be paid to attorneys Jose Baez and Andrea Lyon, respectively.

JAC counsel will have a chance to talk about concerns with Anthony's defense team at a hearing before Orange County Circuit Court Judge Stan Strickland today.
*Much More At Link!

Article:
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news...-court-costs-hearing-20100318,0,4824152.story

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Casey Anthony: WKMG supplies details about sisters alleging George said Caylee&#8217;s death was an accident
posted by halboedeker on March, 18 2010 9:11 AM
<snipped>
Cecilia, however, doesn&#8217;t always back up Crystal&#8217;s version of events, Pipitone explained in a well-written report.

Cecilia wrote that sister Crystal is a liar in a 2009 letter to a judge, Pipitone reported. Cecilia&#8217;s allegation: Crystal lied that Cecilia&#8217;s husband had beaten up Cecilia.

Even so, Cecilia has told WFTV-Channel 9 and HLN&#8217;s Nancy Grace that Crystal had the Anthony affair. The affair allegation is also in the latest National Enquirer, which wouldn&#8217;t tell Pipitone if it paid for the sisters&#8217; story.

How credible is their story? Pipitone noted that Cecilia was in jail from August 2008 to January 2009 &#8211; &#8221;the time the affair was supposed to be blossoming,&#8221; Pipitone said.

The women didn&#8217;t respond to WKMG&#8217;s repeated requests for comment, Pipitone said.

Article:
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/en...ampaign=Feed:+entertainment/tv/tvguy+(TV+Guy)

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Criminal Murder case Docket Updated!

Events & Orders of the Court
03/18/2010---Order---Unsealing State of Florida's in camera sealed motion to delay disclosure

03/18/2010---Court Minutes---Motion for Determination of Indigency for Costs

03/18/2010---Notice of Appearance

03/18/2010---Notice of Provision of Supplemental Discovery

 

[Angel Who Cares]

UPDATED: Casey Anthony&#8217;s defense: We&#8217;ve spent her $275K and need public to pay the rest
Judge defers ruling on Casey Anthony&#8217;s request for state to pay legal fees
1:59 p.m. EDT, March 18, 2010
<snipped>
We now know how Casey Anthony has been paying for her legal expenses &#8212; details that emerged during a hearing this morning where her defense argued why the state should start paying her legal bills.

ABC paid Casey Anthony $200,000. A former attorney on her defense team kicked in $70,000, and private donor gave $5,000.

But the funds are gone now.

Her defense team told Orange County Circuit Court Judge Stan Strickland that the money was spent on Kissimmee lawyer Jose Baez's fees and other legal expenses, such as transcripts, equipment, experts, travel and other defense costs.

Casey Anthony appeared in court, joined by Baez, and fellow defense attorneys Andrea Lyon, New York attorney Linda Kenney Baden and new team member Cheney Mason.

State prosecutors also attended and pressed Baez about the money Casey Anthony once had.

A lawyer with the Justice Administrative Commission, the state entity that doles out the public funds, phoned into the hearing too.
*Much More at link!

Video: Casey Anthony defense, We rsquo ve spent her 275K and need public to pay the rest 4:30
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/vide...pent-her-275K-and-need-public-to-pay-the-rest

Video: Casey Anthony received $200,000 from ABC 3:25
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/vide.../News/Casey-Anthony-received-200-000-from-ABC

Video: Attorney Cheney Mason answers questions after Casey Anthony hearing 2:27
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/vide...answers-questions-after-Casey-Anthony-hearing

Video: Attorney Jose Baez is questioned after Casey Anthony hearing 1:52
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/vide...aez-is-questioned-after-Casey-Anthony-hearing

Video: Attorney Brad Conway answers questions about claims against George Anthony 1:34
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/vide...ons-about-claims-against-George-Anthony-nbsp-

Article:
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news...ony-hearing-expenses-20100318,0,2075175.story

 

[Angel Who Cares]

UPDATED: "Game Changing" Attorney Named To Casey's Team At Hearing
Posted: 10:55 am EDT March 18,2010
Updated: 9:20 pm EDT March 18,2010
<snipped>
"I was looking all over for a Perry Mason. The best I could do was Cheney Mason,&#8221; Casey's lead attorney, Jose Baez, told the media after Thursday&#8217;s hearing.

&#8220;You do not come any larger than J Cheney Mason,&#8221; WFTV legal analyst Bill Sheaffer said. Mason is one of the top defense attorney's in the country. He has tried 50 murder cases successfully and is a part of a number of anti-death penalty organizations.

&#8220;I&#8217;ve been asked to join and I&#8217;m doing it pro bono,&#8221; Mason said in court during the Thursday morning hearing. &#8220;We&#8217;re just seeking confirmation of Ms. Anthony&#8217;s indigency and I don&#8217;t think that should be in question.&#8221; &#8220;He is a founding father of the Central Florida Criminal Defense Association,&#8221; WFTV legal analyst Bill Sheaffer told WFTV. &#8220;This is a game changer.&#8221;

It could mean there will be more changes. Mason is death penalty qualified. That could mean Andrea Lyon is no longer necessary on the defense team.

INDIGENCY DECISION HANGS ON DEFENSE'S LIST
Casey was in the court room wearing a a striped, light-colored, button-down, long-sleeve shirt and dark pants. She was all smiles as she sat down between attorney Jose Baez and new addition J Cheney Mason as the indigency hearing got underway.

&#8220;I think it needs to be out here in open court. So, if they want to tell me what happened in the past, the court is willing to listen,&#8221; Judge Stan Strickland told Cheney, referring to money already paid to attorneys in the case.

Under oath, Baez said Thursday he received $205,000 early on in the case, made up of $5,000 from a yet unnamed donor and $200,000 from ABC, the latter being something WFTV reported over a year ago.

JUDGE UNSEALS MOTION; DEFENSE GETS 15 DAYS
According to information provided by the State in a motion to block the judge&#8217;s Thursday release of the evidence, &#8220;the Orange County Sheriff&#8217;s Office was contacted by an inmate in the Florida Department of Correction, who stated that she had communications with the Defendant while in the Orange County Jail.&#8221;

According to the State&#8217;s motion, &#8220;that inmate was interviewed on or about the 22nd day of January 2010 and relayed potentially relevant statements by the Defendant, which are not in the nature of a confession, and gave the name of another inmate who also had communication with the Defendant. The second inmate, presently incarcerated in Federal Prison, was interviewed on or about the 27th day of January 2010 and reluctantly confirmed communication with the Defendant adding that she had received approximately fifty written communications from the Defendant which were then in the possession of another individual whose identity was provided to the Orange County Sheriffs Office.&#8221;

At the end of Thursday's indigency hearing, Judge Strickland agreed to give the defense 15 days before releasing the actual evidence referenced in the State's motion. After 15 days, the actual evidence will be released unless the defense files a motion to block it.

The names of the inmates have not been released, but prosecutors Thursday handed over to the defense interviews from a Robyn Adams and Silvia Hernandez. It&#8217;s unclear if they are the inmates referenced in the &#8216;secret&#8217; documents.

WFTV asked Jose Baez on Thursday if he even knew about the letters.

&#8220;I'm not going to comment on any of that until the court has an opportunity to hear our arguments,&#8221; Baez said.
*Much More At Link!

BILL SHEAFFER: Talks About Casey's Thursday Hearing 5:38
WFTV legal analyst Bill Sheaffer talked about Casey Anthony's hearing Thursday. (03/18/10)
http://www.wftv.com/video/22880272/index.html

TEAM COVERAGE: New Attorney For Casey Anthony 6:21
A renowned attorney has joined Casey Anthony's defense team. (03/18/10)
http://www.wftv.com/video/22881898/index.html

TEAM COVERAGE: Casey In Court, New Attorney Revealed 6:02
Renowned criminal defense attorney J Cheney Mason has now joined Casey Anthony's defense team. It comes as Casey ap...
http://www.wftv.com/video/22878129/index.html

VIDEO REPORT: Casey's Defense Seeks Tax Dollars For Payment 1:21
Casey's defense team will ask a judge for tax dollars to help pay her legal fees at a hearing scheduled for Thursda...
http://www.wftv.com/video/22874963/

CASEY ARRIVES: See Images
http://www.wftv.com/slideshow/news/22876349/detail.html

RAW VIDEO: Casey Anthony Walks Into Court 0:39
http://www.wftv.com/video/22876354/index.html

INDIGENCY HEARING: Casey Anthony Indigence Hearing Part 1 Of 3- 30:52
This is part 1 of 3 of Casey Anthony's Thursday indigence hearing. (03/18/10)
http://www.wftv.com/video/22876686/index.html

INDIGENCY HEARING: Casey Anthony Indigence Hearing Part 2 Of 3- 23:50
This is part 2 of 3 of Casey Anthony's Thursday indigence hearing. (03/18/10)
http://www.wftv.com/video/22877854/index.html

INDIGENCY HEARING: Casey Anthony Indigence Hearing Part 3 Of 3- 21:35
This is part 3 of 3 of Casey Anthony's Thursday indigence hearing. (03/18/10)
http://www.wftv.com/video/22877968/index.html

INDIGENCY HEARING: See Images
http://www.wftv.com/slideshow/news/22876532/detail.html

INTERVIEW: WFTV Talks To New Casey Attorney After Hearing 4:21
http://www.wftv.com/video/22878634/index.html

INTERVIEW: Jose Baez Talks To WFTV After Hearing 3:28
Jose Baez talked to WFTV after Casey's indigency hearing. (03/18/10)
http://www.wftv.com/video/22878495/index.html

'SECRET' DOCS: Judge Unseals
http://www.wftv.com/pdf/22876651/detail.html

'SECRET' DOCS: State Asks For Delay
http://www.wftv.com/pdf/22876634/detail.html

WEB SITE: J Cheney Mason
http://www.jcheneymason.com/

Article:
http://www.wftv.com/news/22876305/detail.html

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Who is Casey Anthony's new attorney?
Updated: Thursday, 18 Mar 2010, 11:27 AM EDT
Published : Thursday, 18 Mar 2010, 11:22 AM EDT
<snipped>
Casey Anthony has a new attorney. Orlando attorney J. Cheney Mason has joined Casey's defense team. He said he would work on the case pro bono.

According to Mason's website, he began his private law practice in Orlando, Florida in 1971 after admission to The Florida Bar. His areas of practice include Criminal Defense, Marital and Family Law (Divorce Law), Entertainment Law and Trial Practice, with a strong emphasis on Marital and Family Law and Criminal Law. He is a Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer, certified by both The Florida Bar and the National Board of Trial Advocacy.

JC. Heney Mason Web Site:
http://www.jcheneymason.com/index.htm

Article:
http://www.myfoxorlando.com/dpp/news/anthony_case/031810-Casey-Anthony-new-attorney

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Casey Anthony: We have a failure to communicate
posted by halboedeker on March, 18 2010 11:27 AM
<snipped>
Strickland demanded the discussion about funds be held in the courtroom. The defense team left to discuss the issue privately.

Mason later questioned defense attorney Andrea Lyon, who said there is no book or movie deal on the Anthony case.

Mason also questioned defense attorney Jose Baez. Baez said he knew of no book or movie deal in the case. Baez said he had received $89,000 on the case and estimated he had spent 2,500 hours on the case. Baez said defense attorney Linda Kenney Baden had received no fee in the case.

Under prosecution questioning, Baez said there are no pending deals in the case. Yet Baez said that he had been approached about a book deal in the past.

And Baez said that $205,000 for the case had come from a donor and from a deal that Anthony made with ABC News. Baez also revealed that former defense attorney Todd Macaluso had donated $70,000 to the case. Baez dismissed a rumor that he will receive $700,000 in the future from the case.

Article:
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/en...ampaign=Feed:+entertainment/tv/tvguy+(TV+Guy)

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Casey Anthony wrote letters to woman from jail, prosecutors say
Casey Anthony&#8217;s letters could be used as evidence.
12:07 p.m. EDT, March 18, 2010
<snipped>
Prosecutors on Thursday disclosed that murder suspect Casey Anthony wrote 50 notes or letters to a woman she befriended while in the Orange County Jail, and that those notes may be used as evidence.

In paperwork released Thursday, prosecutors don't say what's in the notes, only that they don't include a confession. Authorities handed over the notes to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for an investigation.

FDLE agents interviewed the woman, now in an undisclosed federal prison, on Feb. 12, according to court paperwork. The woman told authorities that she befriended Anthony while in the Orange County Jail, that the notes were passed while both were inmates there and that once the woman was moved to the federal prison, all communication with Anthony ended.

She told FDLE agents she did not want to "get anyone in trouble" but said a county corrections officer may have helped the women communicate.

Authorities found out about the woman and the notes when a state inmate contacted the Orange County Sheriff's Office, saying she, too, had had communications with Anthony while in the Orange County Jail.

Authorities interviewed that woman Jan. 22, and she gave "potentially relevant" information, according to prosecution paperwork, but it was not news that Anthony had confessed. She also told authorities about the federal inmate who had received the notes.

Article:
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news...anthony-jail-letters-20100318,0,1826969.story

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Casey Anthony: The most dramatic day in the case since Caylee&#8217;s remains were found
posted by halboedeker on March, 18 2010 12:33 PM
<snipped>
How big a day was it in the Casey Anthony case? Huge.

WFTV-Channel 9 legal analyst Bill Sheaffer highlighted the addition of high-profile Orlando attorney Cheney Mason to the defense team.

&#8220;This is the most significant event to the defense and the prosecution since the discovery of Caylee&#8217;s body,&#8221; Sheaffer told WFTV anchor Vanessa Echols.

&#8220;Cheney Mason does not believe in the death penalty,&#8221; Sheaffer said. &#8220;And because the state is seeking death in this case it is his commitment to 1) win this case on the facts and have a verdict of not guilty entered. But failing that, he wants to make sure she does not face the death penalty.&#8221;

The evidence? Anthony made statements &#8220;relevant to the case&#8221; to another inmate, and that inmate pointed to another inmate who had hand-written notes from Anthony, Weber said.

The state says these statements are not a confession, Weber added.

***Anthony&#8217;s mood. &#8220;This news of a new lawyer seemed to put Casey Anthony in a good mood. She was even smiling,&#8221; WFTV anchor Echols said. &#8220;Casey Anthony looked at ease &#8230; in a way she has not looked before,&#8221; WFTV&#8217;s Belich agreed.
*Much more at link!

Article:
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/en...ampaign=Feed:+entertainment/tv/tvguy+(TV+Guy)

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Video: Casey Anthony received $200,000 from ABC 3:25
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/vide.../News/Casey-Anthony-received-200-000-from-ABC

Casey Anthony case: Criminal Trial Photos Updated!
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news...y-anthony-trial-photos,0,7769386.photogallery

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Casey Has Pen Pal In Federal Prison
Thursday, March 18, 2010 2:03:16 PM
<snipped>
Casey Anthony wrote 50 letters to a woman who is now in federal prison.

Apparently Anthony and the unnamed woman met at the Orange County Jail and that's when the letters were exchanged.

The notes may be used as evidence but we're told they don't include any type of confession.

The Orange County Sheriff's Office obtained the notes and turned them over to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement which is now investigating.

Article:
http://www.cfnews13.com/News/Local/2010/3/18/casey_has_pen_pal_in_federal_prison.html

 

[Angel Who Cares]

UPDATED: Anthony's Letters To Inmate May Not Be Released
Anthony Defense May Fight To Keep Letters Private
POSTED: 1:22 pm EDT March 18, 2010
UPDATED: 12:31 am EDT March 19, 2010
<snipped>
A delay in the disclosure of statements that Casey Anthony made to another inmate has ended, but WESH has learned that Anthony's defense may fight the release of letters she wrote in jail.

Judge Stan Strickland gave the state 30 days to investigate the relevancy of claims made by another inmate in the case against Casey Anthony.

The 30-day delay ended the same morning of Anthony's indigency hearing.

Communications between Anthony and other inmates have been handed over to Anthony's defense team for a 15-day review.

A source who has read the letters told WESH 2 that the communications do contain some "bombshell" information.

After the Anthony defense attorneys review the communications, they may fight to keep them from being released to the public.

A jail spokesman said if any communication was allowed between Anthony and another inmate, it would be a violation of jail policy. Anthony's custody status forbids her from having any contact with other inmates.

Video: Defense May Fight Release Of Casey&#8217;s Letters 2:13
A delay in the disclosure of statements that Casey Anthony made to another inmate has ended, but WESH has learned t...
http://www.wesh.com/video/22881011/index.html

Video: Anthony's Letters To Inmate May Not Be Released 2:13
http://www.wesh.com/video/22881011/index.html

MOTION: In Camera Sealed To Dealy Disclosure
http://www.wesh.com/download/2010/0318/22877939.pdf

Article:
http://www.wesh.com/news/22878005/detail.html

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Casey Anthony: ABC News says it licensed &#8216;library of photos&#8217; through attorney
posted by halboedeker on March, 18 2010 1:46 PM
<snipped>
ABC News issued this statement: &#8220;In August 2008, we licensed exclusive rights to an extensive library of photos and home videos for use by our broadcast platforms, affiliates and international partners. No use of the material was tied to any interview.&#8221;

ABC affiliate WFTV-Channel 9 has used the footage of slain toddler Caylee Anthony repeatedly. WFTV also has noted that it reported the $200,000 figure first, but it had the inside knowledge as an ABC affiliate.

I asked ABC News if the deal was done with Casey Anthony.

The deal was done with an attorney representing several owners of copyrighted content, ABC News spokeswoman Cathie Levine said. That attorney is Baez, she added.

The deal was done in the summer of 2008. Casey Anthony was later charged with first-degree murder in the death of her daughter, Caylee.

ABC is owned by the Walt Disney Co., which counts children as its most important customers.

Article:
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/en...ampaign=Feed:+entertainment/tv/tvguy+(TV+Guy)

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Casey Anthony: How did Cheney Mason do in joining Casey Anthony’s defense team?
posted by halboedeker on March, 18 2010 5:34 PM
<snipped>
What sort of impression did prominent Orlando attorney Cheney Mason make in joining Casey Anthony’s defense team today? The reviews were mixed.

“Cheney Mason, at times, sounded like a cowboy riding in to save the damsel in distress, Casey Anthony,” WESH-Channel 2’s Bob Kealing said. “But his attempts at times to take control of the situation in the courtroom almost seemed to backfire.”

The reviews were more favorable on WFTV-Channel 9. Kathi Belich noted that Mason has been successful in defending 50 first-degree murder cases. ”You could just see the dynamic of the defense team change when he was in court today,” Belich said. “Casey Anthony had one of the most relaxed expressions on her face that many have seen in a long time on the first day in court with new defense attorney Cheney Mason.”

WFTV legal analyst Bill Sheaffer said Mason “has a great deal of talent, a great deal of credibility.”

WOFL also asked George and Cindy Anthonytheir reaction to a National Enquirer story. In it, an alleged mistress says that George told her that Caylee’s death was “an accident that snowballed out of control.”

“No comment. It’s not worth commenting on,” Cindy Anthony said.

Article:
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/en...ampaign=Feed:+entertainment/tv/tvguy+(TV+Guy)

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Defense Gets Jail Notes Written By Casey
Notes Could Be Used Against Anthony In First-Degree Murder Trial
POSTED: Thursday, March 18, 2010
UPDATED: 6:44 pm EDT March 18,2010
<snipped>
Notes that Casey Anthony wrote to a fellow inmate that the prosecution did not want the defense to see have been unsealed.

Orange County Jail policy prohibits protective custody inmates from communicating with each other, but Anthony, possibly with the help of a correctional officer, was able to pass around 50 notes to another inmate.

Investigators tracked down the inmate in January and she turned over the letters, which have been described as relevant, but not a confession.

Investigators interviewed Robyn Adams, a federal inmate who was in protective custody at the jail at the same time as Anthony. She is now serving 10 years in prison for her part in helping her husband, former Altamonte Springs police Officer Clay Adams, run a marijuana growing operation. Clay Adams is also in federal prison.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement was brought in to investigate, because the state did not want to be accused of misconduct.

The state will not confirm that Robyn Adams is the inmate who received the notes and letters from Anthony, but a document unsealed on Thursday indicates there are as many as 258 pages of letters that could become evidence against Anthony.

VIDEO:Casey Confides In Inmate
http://www.clickorlando.com/video/22882027/index.html

Article:
http://www.clickorlando.com/news/22881208/detail.html

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Casey Anthony: WKMG identifies Casey Anthony&#8217;s pen pal
posted by halboedeker on March, 18 2010 6:37 PM
<snipped>
reported tonight. She is serving 10 years in federal prison for helping her husband run a marijuana-growing operation, Pipitone added.

Robyn Adams had been caught passing notes at the Orange County Jail, and she was housed close to Anthony, WKMG reported.

&#8220;The state will not yet confirm that she is the inmate who received the 50 some notes and letters that Casey wrote,&#8221; Pipitone said.

Anthony had been prolific: She wrote more than 250 pages of letters, according to documents unsealed today. And those statements from the defendant could be used in the murder trial. Anthony is charged with the first-degree murder of her daughter, Caylee.

Article:
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/en...ampaign=Feed:+entertainment/tv/tvguy+(TV+Guy)

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Public Defenders Often Used In High-Profile Cases
$200 Million Budgeted For Public Defenders
POSTED: 4:35 pm EDT March 18, 2010
UPDATED: 5:10 pm EDT March 18, 2010
<snipped>
While many citizens said they're against using public money to pay for Casey Anthony's defense, some of Florida's most notorious criminals were represented by public defenders.

"The judge will not let them spend freely," defense attorney Jeff Dowdy said.

Dowdy said when a judge approves a court-appointed attorney, there are limits, but the person must be defended. Dowdy often gets called in to handle cases when the public defender is either too busy or has a conflict.

The state budget for prosecution is $350 million per year, but that includes going against court-appointed and private attorneys.

Video: Public Defenders Often Used In High-Profile Cases 2:13
http://www.wesh.com/video/22880399/

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