The boyfriend of Anna Nicole Smith, Howard K. Stern, was found guilty on Thursday of two conspiracy counts relating to using a false name to secure prescription drugs for the late Playboy model.
Stern, 41, who was Smith’s longtime lawyer and boyfriend, was acquitted on seven counts of obtaining and providing drugs to an addict but convicted of two conspiracy counts of aiding and abetting. Smith died at a Florida hotel room in February 2007 after an overdose. She was 39.
“What the jury did find me guilty of were two conspiracy counts limited exclusively to my name being used on medication for Anna,” Stern said after the verdict. “Now, this was done to protect Anna Nicole’s privacy and it was nothing more than that.”
Psychiatrist Khristine Eroshevich, 62, was convicted of four counts of fraudulently obtaining medication when prescribing drugs to the starlet under false names. Stern and Eroshevich could face up to three years in prison, according to prosecutors. Another physician in the case, 42-year-old Sandeep Kapoor, was cleared of all charges. None of the defendants were charged with causing the ex-model’s death.
“I think the jury did their best. I’m just happy this is over,” said Eroshevich. Her lawyer, Bradley Brunon, said “everything Kris did was done with Anna’s best interests at heart.”
The verdict came after a month-long trial and 13 days of deliberations. Sentencing is scheduled for January 6.