Lawyer pleaded guilty to drug and paraphernalia charges
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Stephen M. Frankel pleaded guilty to drug and paraphernalia charges.
by RICK LEE
http://www.ydr.com/newsfull/ci_3662328
A fugitive from justice for just shy of 24 hours, Stephen
M. Frankel told the court that he chose cocaine over
suicide. "I've been extremely depressed for 2? years,"
Frankel said. "I lost my job, I lost my career. It got hold
of me. It was better than killing myself." Frankel, 34, of
Frederick, Md., pleaded guilty to simple possession
of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia, all
misdemeanors. He failed to appear for his scheduled
drug trial in York County Common Pleas Court, and
Senior Judge Edward G. Biester Jr. issued warrants
for his arrest. But Frankel, who had been free on bail,
surrendered to deputies at the Judicial Center. He
appeared before Biester 3? hours later in handcuffs
and shackles and told the judge his absence was the
result of using "5 to 6 grams" of cocaine.
In agreement with the Pennsylvania Attorney General's
Office, Frankel was sentenced to three to 12 months
in York County Prison with mandatory drug treatment
and a consecutive one year of probation. According
to his defense attorney, James J. West, Frankel has
a "10-to-15-year" cocaine habit.
Frankel's sentence includes work release to attend
rehabilitation treatment at his own cost of $10,000
to $15,000, according to statements made in court.
Biester said Frankel must remain in county prison for
the first 30 days but may be transferred to the 24 hr.
a-day treatment facility for the remaining 60 days on
the recommendation of the county probation department.
He warned Frankel that the facility is not secure and
that leaving the premises would be regarded as an
escape.
"He has a life ahead of him if he can beat this problem,"
West said.
Deputy Attorney General George R. Zaiser agreed,
telling Biester, "I think, if this defendant is not taken off
the streets for a while, that (rehabilitation) program will
fail. And I don't think anyone in this courtroom wants to
see this young man fail."
West blamed Frankel's depression, which Frankel sought treatment for in 2004, on the
stress of inheriting legal and financial problems from his father, Mark David
Frankel. Stephen Frankel joined his father's established law firm in 2000. After Mark
Frankel was disbarred for sexual impropriety with clients in June 2004, Stephen
Frankel became the Frankel in Frankel and Associates.
Both Frankels were arrested in September on suspicion of embezzling more than $1
million from the firm's escrow accounts. They are tentatively scheduled for trial on
multiple theft charges in June.
"His bright future has been dimmed by circumstances beyond his control by things his
father left him," West said.
In fatherly tones, Biester told Frankel that suicide would just be shifting his pain
to those who love him. He also advised him that his conviction and sentence, while
likely ending his legal career, does not close off all avenues to him.
"You will find some other activity that will consume your attention . . . and produce
a livelihood for you and your family," Biester said. "Other attorneys have heard that
door clang shut, but they didn't let it destroy them. Don't let it happen to you."
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I intend to last long enough to put out of business all COck-suckers
along with all institutions of the industrialized slavery and genocide.
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"The army that will defeat terrorism doesn't wear uniforms, or drive
Humvies, or calls in air-strikes. It doesn't have a high command, or
high security, or a high budget. The army that can defeat terrorism
does battle quietly, clearing minefields and vaccinating children. It
undermines military dictatorships and military lobbyists. It subverts
sweatshops and special interests.Where people feel powerless, it
helps them organize for change, and where people are powerful, it
reminds them of their responsibility." ~~~~ Author Unknown ~~~~
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