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Comic Poundstone pleads innocent
SANTA MONICA, California (CNN) -- Comic Paula Poundstone pleaded innocent Tuesday to child molestation charges and was ordered to stay away from minor children unless their guardians or independent observers are present. Poundstone, who is free on $200,000 bail, did not speak publicly after the arraignment at the Santa Monica Courthouse in Santa Monica, California. Poundstone, 41, was arrested June 27 in Malibu and faces charges of three counts of committing a lewd act on a girl under the age of 14 and one count of endangering four children, said two other girls and two boys, said Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney Gina Satriano. All four charges are felonies, Satriano said.
Two protective orders issued by the judge apply to the five alleged victims as well as "all other minors." Poundstone was specifically ordered not to threaten, harass or sexually molest children. Poundstone has three adopted children and two foster children. All five are in protective custody. Prior to the hearing, Poundstone joined her lawyer on Tuesday in proclaiming her innocence against lewd conduct and child endangerment charges.
Supporters for Poundstone had waited for 45 minutes outside the courthouse before Poundstone and attorney Steven Cron appeared to speak with the news media. "This is not the first time I've been late," Poundstone said, trying to hold back tears. "Paula is eager to have her day in court and we are ready to get started," Cron said. "We have received a phenomenal amount of support from around the country and around the world," Cron added. |
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