Simpson’s co-defendant sentenced to probation
Clarence Stewart, O.J. Simpson’s co-defendant from the 2007 robbery of sports memorabilia dealers at Palace Station, was sentenced Tuesday to three years probation, of which nine months will be spent on house arrest.
The 56-year-old last week entered an Alford plea to one count each of robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery. An Alford plea means that Stewart didn’t admit guilt but acknowledged prosecutors could prove their case against him.
In 2008, Stewart was sentenced to 7½ to 27 years in prison after being convicted of charges including armed robbery and kidnapping.
His conviction was overturned in October by the Nevada Supreme Court, which ruled Stewart didn’t receive a fair trial because he sat next to Simpson, "one of the most notorious public figures in this country."
District Judge Jackie Glass also ordered Stewart as part of his probation to pay $3,600 in restitution and to get a job.
Afterward, Stewart said he’s ready to move on with his life.
"Because of the circumstances I’ve put myself in, I feel I should accept it and make the best of it," he said.
Stewart, a former commercial lender, said his priority is to get a job.
"I’m over 50,” he said. "Starting over won’t be easy. But at this time if I have to go to 7-Eleven, you know what I mean, I will."
Stewart said that since his release he’s been enjoying the home cooking of "Grandma Alice" — his fiancee’s mother — which includes a number of Italian dishes.
Meanwhile, Simpson, 63, remains in prison and is more than two years into a nine- to 33-year sentence at Lovelock Correctional Center.
Contact reporter Francis McCabe at fmccabe@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-1039.
