The Baca-Hilton connection

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Radar's Jeff Bercovici and Daniel Riley are reporting a friendly-money connection between Sheriff Lee Baca, the Los Angeles law-enforcement glad-hander who ordered Paris Hilton released from jail after serving only three days in her 45-day sentence, and her grandfather William Barron Hilton, who last year contributed $1,000 to Baca's election campaign.

A grand is the maximum amount allowable under California campaign rules. Baca became a worldwide laughing stock yesterday for deciding to let Hilton serve out the remainder of her sentence under house arrest, in apparent defiance of the orders given by the judge who sentenced her last month. Baca was quoted as saying that he let Hilton go home with an ankle bracelet because she was suffering from a "medical condition," an explanation that resulted in universal scoffing.

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Posted by Jeffrey Wells on June 8, 2007 at 2:22 PM

comment #1

Josh Massey says ...

Three posts about Hilton in one day? And you hold yourself above the mouth-breathing dregs that "can't wait for Evan Almighty?"

Posted by Josh Massey at June 8, 2007 2:45 PM

comment #2

jeffmcm says ...

Well said.

Posted by jeffmcm at June 8, 2007 3:00 PM

comment #3

Deege says ...

Josh, if you hate Jeff so much, why do you read his blog and bother to post comments? I can't understand why people who seem to despise the man and his opinions continue to visit the sight and post their vitriol.

Posted by Deege at June 8, 2007 3:06 PM

comment #4

Deege says ...

Sorry, that should have been "site".

Posted by Deege at June 8, 2007 3:07 PM

comment #5

Craig Kennedy says ...

Just glad I know where to turn when I MUST KNOW what Paris Hilton is up at any given moment.

Posted by Craig Kennedy at June 8, 2007 3:07 PM

comment #6

Craig Kennedy says ...

I can't speak for Josh, Deege, but some of us come to HE mostly to read the comments. Somehow Wells has managed to attract an amusing bunch of people.

Posted by Craig Kennedy at June 8, 2007 3:13 PM

comment #7

George Prager says ...

If he wasn't here, he'd have to look at his own blog, which is populated by the embarrassing rants of a loser Duran Duran fan with ugly siblings. Way too depressing. So he hangs out here.

Posted by George Prager at June 8, 2007 3:22 PM

comment #8

Josh Massey says ...

Please link to a photo of yourself, Prager. Then I can compare it next to my sister, who was recently named one of Atlanta's 50 most beautiful people by Jezebel Magazine.

Posted by Josh Massey at June 8, 2007 3:38 PM

comment #9

Josh Massey says ...

I'm serious, by the way. If you're going to be such an incredible twat by bringing family members into this, I want evidence of your stunning good looks.

Posted by Josh Massey at June 8, 2007 3:44 PM

comment #10

MASON says ...

One of the most beautiful people in Atlanta? Come on, that's like being one of the skinniest kids at fat camp. Or the nice one in the Hilton family.

I kid, I kid!

Posted by MASON at June 8, 2007 3:46 PM

comment #11

George Prager says ...

"Please link to a photo of yourself, Prager. Then I can compare it next to my sister, who was recently named one of Atlanta's 50 most beautiful people by Jezebel Magazine."

That pretty much says it all. I'm so embarrassed for you and your ugly sister.

Posted by George Prager at June 8, 2007 3:47 PM

comment #12

George Prager says ...

Yeah, what Mason says. I guess she doesn't go around Atlanta wearing acid-washed jeans and oversized Braves t-shirts, so they had to give an award, like they do at a fat camp if you lose one pound.

Posted by George Prager at June 8, 2007 3:49 PM

comment #13

BurmaShave says ...

So Sharky's Machine was about Josh Massey's sister?

Posted by BurmaShave at June 8, 2007 3:55 PM

comment #14

Josh Massey says ...

Come on, Prager. If you can toss around insults about my sister, you can let us all gaze upon your own Adonis-like stature. I'm sure we're all heinous pimples by comparison. All I'm asking for is a picture.

Posted by Josh Massey at June 8, 2007 3:58 PM

comment #15

George Prager says ...

No. Pink Flamingos was.

Posted by George Prager at June 8, 2007 3:58 PM

comment #16

George Prager says ...

"Please link to a photo of yourself, Prager. Then I can compare it next to my sister, who was recently named one of Atlanta's 50 most beautiful people by Jezebel Magazine."

That really makes my day.

HAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!!!!!

Posted by George Prager at June 8, 2007 4:04 PM

comment #17

romeoisbleeding says ...

If you were anywhere near a tv today you could see that this story is getting as much coverage as the OJ trial did. Probably more if that is possible. Constant coverage. So yeah.. it makes sense to me that Jeff writes about it. There is no other news today really according to the gods of tv news. I mean Brad and Angelina could have split up and it would be just a whisper today. Paris is all about show biz and this column is supposed to be about the movies and actors etc. so yeah.. it makes sense to me that he has written about it. And going along with his story that began this thread, I heard that Paris yelled at the Sherrif today something like..." this was not the deal we worked out"!! I mean come on! holy shit! what is going on here????! What kind of deal? more Hilton money for a summer home? there are no dirty cops? I am laughing here. This whole saga has played like a grade B film noir movie complete with Paris calling out to her Mom. Where is Barbara Stanwyck when we need her? Where is Ray Milland? I can hardly wait for Dominic Dunne to write about it. At least it is more interesting than reading about Oceans 13 or 14 or whatever the hell it is? this could really end up being about police corruption. I kid you not.

Posted by romeoisbleeding at June 8, 2007 4:15 PM

comment #18

George Prager says ...

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Posted by George Prager at June 8, 2007 4:17 PM

comment #19

jeffmcm says ...

Romeo, Jeff Wells writes what is ostensibly a blog about movies. Of course he can write whatever he wants to, but one would think he would write something about the releases of La Vie en Rose, or Crazy Love, or hell, Day Watch.

Posted by jeffmcm at June 8, 2007 4:33 PM

comment #20

Craig Kennedy says ...

Is Paris Hilton in any of those?

Posted by Craig Kennedy at June 8, 2007 4:52 PM

comment #21

D.Z. says ...

What? The LAPD is corrupt? The hell you say!

Posted by D.Z. at June 8, 2007 6:02 PM

comment #22

nemo says ...

I'm fascinated to learn that Atlanta GA is home base for a publication called Jezebel Magazine. Is it devoted to getting in touch with your inner Bette Davis? Does run features about how to entertain like Scarlett O'Hara?

Posted by nemo at June 8, 2007 6:29 PM

comment #23

nemo says ...

Well, it turns out you can visit Jezebel Magazine online at jezebelmagazine.com. They feature Mandy Moore on their current cover.

But you'll have a lot more low-down dirty fun at the first site I visited: jezebel.com. It features stories such as:

End of Days: Lindsay Lohan and George W., Separated At Birth
Portraits of Grief: Paris Hilton
Paris is a Pillhead: Oxy Withdrawal? Or Just "Spoiled Bratitis"? Shep And Greta Tackle The Tough Issues On Fox
Snap Judgment: Hell Yeah. We'd Do Him
We Feel So Very Badly: Paris Screams as She is Cuffed and Transported Back to Prison
If Paris Hilton Actually Has A Nervous Breakdown, We're Going To Hell For Posting This Photo
Paris? Meet Burlap Sack
Anne Heche May Be "Mentally Unstable," But She Still Knows How To Dress Herself And Smile For The Camera
Quick Trips Inside Empty Minds: Deep Thoughts With...Victoria Beckham

No Rose McGowan stories, unfortunately.

Posted by nemo at June 8, 2007 6:42 PM

comment #24

Ray says ...

Damn ... you know, I hate hte fact that Paris has received so much press up until this point - but this is deserved attention. Her situation reveals the chasm between the priveleges of the rich and the experiences of the poor in all of its ugliness.

And frankly, nothing recently has made me happier than knowing that our dear little Paris screamed and cried as they dragged her squirming body back to jail.

Perhaps this will teach the little brat certain lessons that her aloof and untouchable parents never taught her.

http://therecshow.com/2007/06/08/judge-sauer-american-hero/

Posted by Ray at June 8, 2007 7:21 PM

comment #25

LYTrules says ...

So, has anyone yet made a connection between the masses enjoying watching a spoiled rich girl suffer...and Hostel II?

Guess I just did.

Posted by LYTrules at June 8, 2007 7:34 PM

comment #26

Wrecktum says ...

What the fuck does Wells have against Sheriff Lee Baca? Because he avoided a troublesome media storm at one of his overcrowded jail? Christ, Wells, get a new hobby.

Posted by Wrecktum at June 8, 2007 8:15 PM

comment #27

D.Z. says ...

Wrecktum: Baca ran a "tough-on-crime" campaign, but apparently did the opposite when it came to Hilton.

Posted by D.Z. at June 8, 2007 8:27 PM

comment #28

Josh Massey says ...

I am shocked that nobody has called out Prager for his repulsive attack on my family above. Throw all the shit you can muster at me - but you have really revealed yourself to be a pathetic, lonely, sad, contemptible dick. When did it become OK to go after relatives here? I have always thought those who mentioned Jeff's children were jackasses, and apparently you fall into that camp.

Of course, I don't know why I'm upset in the first place, because anybody who sees my sister will immediately know how full of shit you are. Did pretty girls never talk to you in high school or something?

(And I notice you have ignored my picture request. Very telling.)

Posted by Josh Massey at June 8, 2007 9:14 PM

comment #29

Wrecktum says ...

No one cares, Massey.

Posted by Wrecktum at June 8, 2007 9:17 PM

comment #30

nemo says ...

OK Prager, knock off that shit. Leave people's families out of it.

But please, don't post any photos of yourself.

Posted by nemo at June 8, 2007 10:03 PM

comment #31

CharlieDontSurf says ...

Wrecktum: Baca ran a "tough-on-crime" campaign, but apparently did the opposite when it came to Hilton.

Actually DZ your wrong

The standard MO at the jail, due to the massive overcrowding problem, for people convincted of similar crimes as Paris is to either A:) be immediatly released or B:) be put under house arrest with a ankle braclet.

The only exception that has been made is to force Paris to serve out the 18-20 day sentence...mainly to make a poltical statement and score points for the DA.

The sheriff was being logical when he released her after 3 days served to house arrest. The judge and DA were doing what was in their own best interests and not what was in the justice systems/the tax payers/ and the jail's.

She isn't a threat to anyone and will gain nothing from serving out her sentence except take up a spot that would be better filled by a true criminal. but it makes for great TV so by that standards the DA will do everything he can to keep her locked up.

Posted by CharlieDontSurf at June 8, 2007 11:22 PM

comment #32

tholl-yung says ...

What a dumb blonde, she didn't even dye her hair brown -- she is going to have su'uch major roots. That other skank, Ann Coulter, had hideous rootage on Hannity and Colmes earlier this week.

Posted by tholl-yung at June 8, 2007 11:32 PM

comment #33

tholl-yung says ...

If there's anyone to blame, it's Paris' doctor, for enabling her to think she could wig out and get a pass. I'd recall his sycophantic license to practice.

Posted by tholl-yung at June 8, 2007 11:52 PM

comment #34

BurmaShave says ...

Anybody see MSNBC breaking into the news about the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff resigning to show Paris walking to her car to go to court? I was sure I was living in a Paul Verhoeven movie.

Posted by BurmaShave at June 9, 2007 2:35 AM

comment #35

D.Z. says ...

Charlie: She had her own special cell, so it wasn't crowded. And last time I checked, requiring people pay the consequences for breaking the law isn't supposed to be political. I also don't see how it's not in the taxpayers' interest to protect themselves from drunk drivers they might encounter on streets which they technically own-especially considering that they're also paying the salaries of said cops to keep those lunatics off the streets.

Posted by D.Z. at June 9, 2007 3:19 AM

comment #36