Report: Prosecutors decline Limbaugh offer

Associated Press ^ | January 23, 2004

[Dog Gone]

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Prosecutors rejected a proposed deal offered by Rush Limbaugh's attorney that would have seen the radio commentator enter a court-sponsored drug intervention program rather than face charges, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported today.

Palm Beach County prosecutors wanted Limbaugh to plead guilty to one felony charge of "doctor shopping," a third-degree felony. Limbaugh would have received three years' probation, undergone a drug treatment program and been subject to random drug testing, according to records obtained by the newspaper through a public records request.

Limbaugh has not been arrested and no charges have been filed.

In an attempt to head off charges, Limbaugh's attorney, Roy Black, wrote prosecutors on Dec. 11 to suggest a drug intervention program without a guilty plea.

"I believe this proposal would be in keeping with the public interest," Black wrote. "The public is better served by treating addicts as patients rather than criminals."

Prosecutor James Martz wrote back Dec. 15 that an intervention program alone was not sufficient. He wrote that prosecutors had enough evidence to support more than 10 felony counts.

"This proposed resolution is offered as an alternative to unsealing your client's medical records and in an effort to bring this case to a swift and just resolution," Martz wrote.

Black said in a statement Thursday to the Sun-Sentinel that his request "was for the same treatment anyone else in this situation would receive," and called the state's response "preposterous."

It was unclear whether the prosecution offer of probation in exchange to a guilty plea on one felony count is still on the table.

Black criticized the letters' release, saying he had expected prosecutors to keep his communications with them private, and that he marked his Dec. 11 letter "confidential."

He has been critical of the investigation, calling it politically motivated.

Prosecutors began their investigation of Limbaugh, 53, last year, after his former maid told them she was Limbaugh's longtime supplier of prescription painkillers.

Limbaugh admitted his addiction to prescription painkillers in October, saying it stemmed from severe back pain. He took a five-week leave from his afternoon radio show to enter a rehabilitation program.

Limbaugh's lawyers had denied news reports last month that their client was considering a plea bargain.

Palm Beach County State Attorney spokesman Mike Edmondson declined to comment today. Black did not immediately return a call seeking further comment.

[sinkspur]

It's a political prosecution. This proves it.

[Pikamax]

so with all the so called evidence they have, this is the best they could come up with? unreal.

[battlecry]

Sure looks like it. Knives are out. So ironic. Yesterday Janklow got 100 days for killing a biker.

[goldstategop]

Yep, the release of privileged communication between lawyers... I've never heard of it. It looks like the Democrats in the Palm Beach DA's office want Rush bad.

[KangarooJacqui]

Palm Beach County prosecutors wanted Limbaugh to plead guilty to one felony charge of "doctor shopping,"

Truly? They actually CALL it that in the statute and everything? wow.

[goldstategop]

That's a serious crime?? ROFL. Rush should take his chances with a jury of his peers. The prosecution has to prove the offense beyond "a reasonable doubt." Since its one charge, the state's case looks kinda iffy to me.

[ConservativeMan55]

Rush Ping!
Search for the latest Rush Limbaugh news on Free Republic.

The day I wanted Limbaugh to be right.

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Doctors join Limbaugh case.

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Bulger replaces McNabb in Pro Bowl.

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Medical groups back Limbaugh privacy.

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[af_vet_1981]

It's a political prosecution. This proves it.

Of course it is a political prosecution. It's a shame Rush let himself and everyone else down by becoming addicted and allegedly breaking some laws while using. I do not think he should be incarcerated and I hope he stays clean from now on.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

I find it hard to believe this is a felony in any state.

[CurlyDave]

They claim to have enough for 10 counts, not just one.

I still feel it is politically motivated & I think Rush should fight it.

It would help a lot if he came out against the WOD on the air.

[Dog Gone]

They'd love to have Rush plead to a felony and lose his right to vote.

[RoseofTexas]

UGHHHHHHHH that means it's going to be Rush 24/7 on the tube, the radio and so forth......GAWD I hate the liberals and their hemorrhoid media WHORES!!

[Sgt_Schultze]

We all have heard about the thousands of pills Limbaugh is supposed to have prescribed. Those numbers certainly didn't come from Rush. Obvioulsy the prosecuter's office has been releasing the confidential information from his medical records. Without access to these records, they obviously have no independent evidence.

[B Knotts]

I agree. These crooks' only goal is to bring Rush down a notch. I hope he beats them.

[KangarooJacqui]

I find it hard to believe this is a felony in any state.

You and me both, on that one.

[davisfh]

"He has been critical of the investigation, calling it politically motivated. "

No doubt in my mind that he is right. I hope Linbaugh and Roy Black manage to shove their noses in the dirt.

[E.G.C.]

Bump in support of Rushh!!!!!

[ConservativeMan55]

BUMP!!!

[evad]

..the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported today.

Sooo.......
how is this information being leaked to the press?

We all know it's not the DA's staff or office as has been claimed by some so I must assume it's coming from Black.

For what purpose...how would it benefit Rush???
hmmmm?