LOS ANGELES - In a surprise move, prosecutors in the case of Anna Nicole Smith's doctors and her lawyer-boyfriend say the former Playboy model conspired with the defendants to illegally obtain massive amounts of prescription drugs.
Deputy District Attorney Renee Rose said Friday that because Smith demanded that others provide her with opiates and sedatives, she automatically is considered a conspirator.
Smith, who died in February 2007 of a drug overdose, is not named as a conspirator in the charges against Dr. Sandeep Kapoor, Dr. Khristine Eroshevich and attorney Howard K. Stern.
The judge said he was surprised by the strategy suddenly announced on the eve of trial.
Rose also says she will allege that Stern's sister Bonnie was involved in the conspiracy as well.
