Posted on 12/22/2005 11:23:19 AM PST by BurbankKarl
Former Burbank City Councilwoman Stacey Jo Murphy pleaded guilty Thursday to a felony count of possessing cocaine and one misdemeanor count of child endangerment, the District Attorney's Office announced.
As part of a plea agreement, Murphy, 47, also will enter a drug-diversion program, attend drug counseling sessions and return to court for progress reports, said Deputy District Attorney Thomas Krag.
Murphy also agreed to attend parenting classes and be supervised by the courts for five years.
"This is an appropriate resolution for a defendant who was a leader in the community, but whose drug use clouded her judgment and put her young son's life in potential danger," Krag said.
The former Burbank mayor and councilwoman was arrested July 13 after police served search warrants at her Lima Street home and found cocaine inside her bedroom, according to the District Attorney's Office.
Police also found three semi-automatic handguns and ammunition inside a black duffle bag in the garage, which was used as a play room for Murphy's 12-year-old son, prosecutors said.
Murphy resigned from the City Council after charges were filed.
The arrest was part of a larger investigation into the activities of the Vineland Boyz, a local criminal street gang. One of the alleged gang members is awaiting trial for the murder of rookie Burbank police Officer Matthew Pavelka.
Murphy's boyfriend, 52-year-old Scott Schaffer of Glendale, pleaded guilty Nov. 10 to a federal charge of using a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He admitted that in September 2003 he traded two guns to a gang member in exchange for cocaine.
Schaffer is scheduled to be sentenced in June.
Murphy entered the plea before Pasadena Superior Court Judge Janice Croft. She returns to court Feb. 22 to furnish proof that she enrolled in both drug and parenting classes.
If she does not comply with the terms of the agreement, she could be sentenced to up to three years in prison. But if she successfully completes the diversion program, she can petition the court to have the case dismissed after 18 months, Krag said.
The slap didn't even hit the wrist.
I hope she's a Democrat. She can get her old job back.
Stacey Murphy pleads guilt to felony ping
First she said she would stay on, then resigned.
Then she pleaded not guilty, then plead guilty.
Wonder if she is a gemini?
Just smoking a toke to Tookie?
I think she's a stupid. :-)
She's all hopped up and no place to go
Yes, I am sure all her endorsements of judges, etc through the years have helped her out. The City Council we have is turning looney as it is...it is like Comedy Central down there now.
I know the city council are afraid to step on her toes. Nevermind what they did to the family of the fallen
police officer.
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