Entertainment / Celebrity
Judge dismisses charge against man accused of stalking Selena Gomez
17 Nov 2011 at 10:20hrs | Views
(Right) Thomas Brodnicki has been released after charges were dropped against him. (Left) Selena Gomez - Getty Images
LOS ANGELES - A judge on Wednesday dismissed a felony case against a 46-year-old Illinois man charged with stalking actress/singer Selena Gomez.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Edmund Clarke Jr. ruled that Thomas Brodnicki "lacked specific intent to cause the victim fear," said Sandi Gibbons of the District Attorney's Office.
"We disagreed and argued against dismissing the case, and we now are evaluating our next step," Gibbons said.
Prosecutors did not immediately refile the charge against Brodnicki, who pleaded not guilty earlier this month to the felony charge, which alleged that he stalked the 19-year-old entertainer between July and October.
A judge in Burbank granted Gomez's request for a temporary restraining order against Brodnicki in October. According to court papers filed in that case, Brodnicki allegedly told a psychiatrist he traveled to Los Angeles to see Gomez, visited her workplace and has said he had conversations with God about killing her.
Gomez is best known for her work on a series of children's shows, most notably "Wizards of Waverly Place." She has also appeared on "Hannah Montana" and, as a 10-year-old girl, she appeared on "Barney & Friends." She has also gained fame for being the girlfriend of teen singing sensation Justin Bieber.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Edmund Clarke Jr. ruled that Thomas Brodnicki "lacked specific intent to cause the victim fear," said Sandi Gibbons of the District Attorney's Office.
"We disagreed and argued against dismissing the case, and we now are evaluating our next step," Gibbons said.
Prosecutors did not immediately refile the charge against Brodnicki, who pleaded not guilty earlier this month to the felony charge, which alleged that he stalked the 19-year-old entertainer between July and October.
A judge in Burbank granted Gomez's request for a temporary restraining order against Brodnicki in October. According to court papers filed in that case, Brodnicki allegedly told a psychiatrist he traveled to Los Angeles to see Gomez, visited her workplace and has said he had conversations with God about killing her.
Gomez is best known for her work on a series of children's shows, most notably "Wizards of Waverly Place." She has also appeared on "Hannah Montana" and, as a 10-year-old girl, she appeared on "Barney & Friends." She has also gained fame for being the girlfriend of teen singing sensation Justin Bieber.
Source - NY Daily News
