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Suge Knight’s Girlfriend Pleads to Violating Court Order

Posted by Fay Arfa | Oct 13, 2017 | 0 Comments

The girlfriend of Marion “Suge” Knight pleaded no contest today to violating a court order by selling video evidence that is under seal in connection with the former rap mogul's murder trial, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office announced.

Toilin Kelly, 37, entered her plea to one count of conspiracy to violate a court order. She was placed on formal probation for five years and to perform 100 hours of community service. Kelly also must pay $55,000 in restitution to Tam's Burgers.

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Douglas Sortino ordered Kelly to not have any contact with Knight.

Deputy District Attorney Stefan Mrakich is prosecuting the case.

A grand jury returned an indictment against Kelly and business partner Mark Blankenship, 57, on July 28, accusing the pair of arranging the sale of the video of a fatal hit-and-run involving Knight about two weeks after the Jan. 29, 2015, incident.

Knight, 52, is awaiting trial for allegedly killing 55-year-old Terry Carter and injuring another man he hit with his truck in Tam's parking lot.

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Ricardo Ocampo previously granted the prosecution's motion for a protective order that prohibited the release of any evidence in the murder case, including the video, from being released to the public.

Kelly and Blankenship spent nearly a month negotiating a deal with TMZ, a celebrity news website, according to the indictment. The two defendants allegedly were aware the video was under a protective order.

Kelly reached a deal worth $55,000 and TMZ posted the video on its site days later.

Blankenship faces one felony count each of conspiracy to violate a court order, conspiracy to obstruct justice and conspiracy to commit grand theft. A pretrial hearing is set for Oct. 24.

Case BA452968 was investigated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

Los Angeles District Attorney / Case BA452968 / October 12, 2017

About the Author

Fay Arfa

Fay Arfa has the distinction of being Certified as a Specialist in two separate areas of law – Criminal Law as well as Appellate Law – by the California State Bar, Board of Specialization. The National Board of Trial Advocacy has also awarded her a board Certification in Criminal Trial Advocacy. ...

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