By: Las Vegas Now Staff
A Las Vegas judge gave O.J. Simpson a strong reprimand and doubled his bail amount on Wednesday after it was revealed that Simpson had attempted to contact a co-defendant.
Simpson's former bail bondsman, Miguel Pereira, made a tape recording of Simpson. He says Simpson can be heard talking to himself on the tape, but it's what was said when they landed at McCarran Airport and were on their way to a Carl's Jr. restaurant for food for Simpson, that says a lot.
The district attorney's office now has the tape that Pereira made. Pereira said there was close to seven hours of recording on the tape. The most shocking part on the tape is when O.J. Simpson says, “I didn't tell them to bring guns. I told Walter to,” referring to Walter Alexander, one of the original accomplices who was arrested after the alleged crime. Alexander has since reached a plea deal with the district attorneys office.
Pereira tells Eyewitness News he made the recording, “to protect myself from any allegations of misconduct or mistreatment of Mr. Simpson because it's a high profile case.”
Clark County prosecutors asked the judge to revoke the bail of O.J. Simpson and keep him in jail until his trial in April. But the judge disagreed — giving Simpson a second chance at bail but for a much higher price.
“I don't know Mr. Simpson what the heck you were thinking,” Judge Jackie Glass said to Simpson. “How we came here today is mind-boggling to this court,” she added.
She gave Simpson a strong warning that if he attempts to contact any other defendants, he will be locked up.
“I understand 100-percent your honor,” Simpson said.
Camp OJ: Las Vegas Simpson Case
Simpson's bail amount was also increased from $125,000 to $250,000. His lawyer says the bond has been posted and Simpson will be released Wednesday night.
Simpson and two others are accused of robbing a sports memorabilia dealer at the Palace Station last year. They face kidnapping, armed robbery and other felony charges.
Three men pleaded guilty to lesser charges and agreed to testify against Simpson.
In other Simpson case news, AP is reporting that Clark County District Judge Jackie Glass says defense lawyers for Charles Ehrlich and Clarence “C.J.” Stewart can hire private investigators at state expense to help prepare for trial. The two were declared indigent, and she said taxpayers will fund portions of their defense.
 |
 |
 |
