Judge scolds Sierra, sends her to California rehab

TAMPA - Hillsborough Circuit Judge Daniel Perry scolded Jessica Sierra this morning for talking to reporters but allowed her to leave for California immediately to begin drug treatment.

"I am not happy with you,'' Perry told Sierra. "I don't like turning on my TV and seeing you do what I told you not to do. Those microphones are like a magnet for you. You are not a celebrity. You're a drug addict.''

Sierra talked to reporters immediately after leaving jail Wednesday. At a court hearing Monday, Perry gave her a break, putting her on probation and sending her to rehab instead of going to prison. At the same hearing, Perry told her not to talk to reporters.

So today Perry issued a new order: Sierra cannot get within 100 yards of a TV camera or microphone.

The former American Idol finalist, who has had a couple of recent brushes with the law involving drugs and alcohol, did not leave as expected because California did not accept her emergency request for probationary status there.

Now Sierra has 45 days to work things out with California. During that time she will be treated at the Pasadena drug center with Dr. Drew Pinsky, host of the Celebrity Rehab show on which she is a participant. If California continues to reject her request, Perry said, she will have to return to Tampa to work out something else.

Sierra's attorney, John Fitzgibbons, said she has a plane ticket to leave for California this afternoon. She will go directly to the rehab center, he said.

- Colleen Jenkins, Times staff writer

Comments

[justme]

Why in the heck does this addict have to go to California for Rehab? Is this another ploy for more media attention? Just toss her butt in rehab/jail here. The girl has some serious issues.

[DISGUTSED]

Seems she just doesnt get it, she should be held in jail till that plane is ready to board...she isnt a celebrity and we surely have more issues and news worthy stories than her...

[I agree!]

I agree - the Judge told her to not speak to reporters and that is where she immediately went! It's a blatant disregard for his authority and ruling. I don't think she quite gets that she's getting off pretty easy. She's in a bad place and needs help, but she needs to be thankful that there are people willing to help her!

[Say What?]

So...if you have an addiction and need it treated at the finest facilities America has to offer this is what you do:

Apply to be a contestant, get picked as a finalist. It doesn't matter if you win, just get lots of pictures taken so everyone knows who you are and then go buck wild! Have fun, drink, do drugs, do and say whatever you WANT and viola...rehab at a 6 figure facility! Why didn't I think of that??

[melissa]

She didn't sign for a movie deal... geez.. people get a grip! I saw it on the news it was a breif conversation! All she said was she was glad to be going to rehab!
So the reporters should also have harrassment arrest against them if they also don't stay within 100 yards from her! This is being made into a circus act by the media!

I wouldn't go that far... not so Hot!

[Jim]

Well we need to vote these judges out of iffice if we can. He comes on strong but then he is weak and does a donkey show.

Jim it's called Power trips! He was VERY unprofessional!

[Silvia]

Jessica Sierra is far too attractive to be thrown in jail with all those...... well I caught myself.

At any rate throwing her in jail is like throwing a raw piece of meat in a Lions cage.

In conclusion I sincerely hope that she is successful in the California Rehab.

I wonder if she will get paid? If so how much?

[Jay]

Perry released me off of a 10 year probation sentenced. He blessed me, I am not prison material. It was just a bad situation for me. I believe he knows what was right. The media should be at fault for following her like so; and still will continue to do so. So soon she will have a law suit against a station for exposing her. LOL

Jay.. maybe he dosen't like woman! He was pretty nasty to her!

[bob]

maybe the judge should order the reporters to leave her alone - this is a completely media-driven circus and it can't be good for this girl!

[kay]

The scales of justice is so blind. Shouldn't we rehab all drug addicts.

[melissa]

Bob... of course he won't. You have to remember it's ALWAYS the drug addicts fault! Looks like entrapment to me!

I think they should be given rehab then 3 strikes your out.. this will be her third chance! So let her have it!

[Gee]

"You are not a celebrity. You're a
drug addict.''

Truer words have never been spoken.

And did I see people actually defending her for "only talking to reporters"? She was explicitly told NOT to do that.

[Mike]

I don't get it. She was told not to talk to the media and sentenced to a reality TV show?

[Jason A.]

It's too bad that more people aren't sent to rehab and are sent to our turnstyle prisons.

[Ray]

She is just another product of that great show that a lot of brain dead people watch. AMERICAN SLUTS or is it idol.