Stars' sleuth faces wider charges

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/entertainment/6469185.stm

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US celebrity private eye Anthony Pellicano has pleaded not guilty to expanded wire-tapping charges.

A new document filed by prosecutors accuses him of eavesdropping on the ex-wife of billionaire investor Kirk Kerkorian.

Mr Pellicano has also been charged with breaching the privacy of Hollywood stars including Sylvester Stallone.

He intends to defend himself and remains in custody. He and five others have pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The latest version of the indictment says the investigator listened in to conversations held by Mr Kerkorian's former wife, Lisa Bonder Kerkorian, during the course of a child custody case.

The other allegations against Mr Pellicano include bribing police officers to do background checks on 60 people, making threats and blackmail.

Following a police investigation dating back to 2002, 14 people have been charged, with seven pleading guilty to charges including wire fraud and conspiracy.

In April last year, Die Hard director John McTiernan was charged with lying to the FBI during the investigation.

Mr Pellicano and his co-defendants are due to stand trial in August.