((HT: Jersey Journal/Michaelangelo Conte))
Former United States figure skating champion and World Figure Skating Championship bronze medalist Nicole Bobek ((pictured, thanks Reena Rose Sibayan/Jersey Journal)) made her first appearance in a Jersey City court this morning on the charge of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
"She played a significant role in this operation," said Hudson County Prosecutor Edward DeFazio said of the probe that took down a methamphetamine ring and resulted in more than a dozen arrests, including Bobek's. "She was actively involved in the upper echelon of this ring."
Bobek finished a disappointing 17th at the 1998 Winter Olympics at Nagano, Japan.
Bobek, 31, who has homes in Manhattan and in Jupiter, Fla., appeared in Central Judicial Processing Court via video link from the Hudson County jail in Kearny. She was arrested in Florida as a fugitive from justice based on the charges filed in Hudson County. Bobek did not fight extradition and was brought to New Jersey on Thursday by officers of the Hudson County Sheriffs office.
Bobek wore the green garb of the county jail when she appeared in the small video conferencing room at the jail. Her hair was short and dark colored, a stark contrast to the long flowing blonde locks she sported during her skating years.
DeFazio said the activity that led to charges against Bobek occurred in New York.
Her mother, Jana Bobek, attended this morning's hearing at which Nicole Bobek was represented by Jersey City attorney Sam DeLuca.
Nicole Bobek is being held at the jail on a $200,000 cash or bond bail.Although DeFazio released information the probe into the methamphetamine ring recently, he said he did not release Nicole Bobek's name because she was not yet in custody at the time.
She faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of the charges.
No comments:
Post a Comment