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Romanowski arraignment Denver LB pleads innocent to prescription-drug fraud
CASTLE ROCK, Colo. (AP) -- Denver Broncos linebacker Bill Romanowski pleaded innocent at his arraignment Tuesday in a prescription-drug fraud case. A judge set his trial for May 1. Romanowski, 34, is accused of illegally possessing a diet drug prescribed for his wife and a friend. He is charged with one count each of unlawful possession of a controlled substance and obtaining a controlled substance by fraud and deceit, and two counts of conspiracy. Romanowski's lawyers have said the drug was prescribed for him after a consultation with his doctor. Romanowski and his wife, Julie, appeared Tuesday in Douglas County District Court. Shortly before Romanowski entered his plea, Judge Thomas Curry accepted a signed waiver from Julie Romanowski that stated she knew of the potential conflict arising from having the same law firm, Springer & Steinberg, represent both her and her husband. Prosecutor Mike Spear requested the waiver. "It protects any conviction we may ultimately get in this case," Spear said. Julie Romanowski has pleaded innocent to conspiracy and eight felony counts that allege she fraudulently obtained the prescription appetite suppressant phentermine for her husband. Her trial is scheduled for March 13. The Romanowskis and attorney Jeff Springer declined comment. Chief Deputy District Attorney Frank Moschetti and Spear declined to discuss the possibility of a plea agreement. The Romanowskis arrived 15 minutes early for the hearing. Spear discussed seeking an arrest warrant after the Romanowskis arrived 30 minutes late for a hearing Nov. 14. "I think they got the message last time," Spear said. Romanowski's attorney, Harvey Steinberg, asked that charges against Julie Romanowski be dropped after agents threatened the Romanowski's nanny with deportation; used threats and promises to induce Julie Romanowski's doctor to secretly record phone conversations with her and her husband; and harassed the couple during an autograph-signing appearance. A combined motions hearing for the Romanowskis is scheduled for Dec. 20. Attorneys have until Jan. 15 to file additional motions in Bill Romanowski's case, and a motions hearing in his case is set for Feb. 8. Some doctors believe phentermine helps athletes by speeding up their metabolism. Others say it is of little or no use as a performance enhancer. Lori Johnson, a friend of Julie Romanowski's, pleaded guilty in January to conspiring to illegally obtain a prescription drug. Romanowski's physician, Dr. Randall Snook, pleaded guilty earlier this year to a misdemeanor charge and received 18 months probation. He was stripped of his Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement eligibility for three years and resigned from his practice.
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