O.J. Simpson ex seeks drug court on burglary, possession charges in Moorhead

MOORHEAD The ex-girlfriend of O.J. Simpson who was set to plead guilty to burglary and drug possession charges Thursday in Clay County District Court has instead decided to try to have her case transferred to drug court.

If the case is accepted by the drug court screener, 37-year-old Christie Prody could begin chemical dependency treatment even before entering her guilty pleas, according to her defense attorney and the county prosecutor.

Prody is accused of stealing prescription pills on two separate occasions from a Moorhead couple while working as an in-home nursing assistant. She was charged April 9 with two counts each of second-degree burglary, theft and fifth-degree drug possession.

Prody was scheduled to enter pleas Thursday to one count each of burglary and drug possession. Instead, the plea hearing was continued until early October to allow time for the drug court evaluation.

Assistant County Attorney Jenny Samarzja didnt object, saying drug court could benefit Prody because of the focus on treatment, weekly court appearances and intense supervision, while still allowing the state to obtain a conviction.

The prosecutors office had previously offered the drug court option to Prody, but she declined, Samarzja said. Defense attorney, Mara Rausch said Prody had different reasons for seeking the transfer now. Samarzja noted Prody has a young daughter.

Prody was a waitress in Los Angeles when she met Simpson in 1996, the year after he was acquitted of the murders of his ex-wife and friend. They dated for 13 years.

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O.J. Simpson ex seeks drug court on burglary, possession charges in Moorhead