Oct 10, 2008 10:08 pm US/Eastern
Accused John Cusack Stalker Accepts Plea Deal
LOS ANGELES (AP) ―
A woman accused of stalking John Cusack accepted a plea deal Friday that will allow her to avoid state prison. Emily Leatherman pleaded no contest to a felony count of stalking Cusack. A judge immediately sentenced her to five years' probation and mandatory psychiatric counseling.
The judge ordered Leatherman to stay away from the 42-year-old actor, his home and business for the next 10 years.
Leatherman, 33, was arrested outside Cusack's home in March.
In a rambling statement Friday morning, Leatherman claimed she was the victim of sex crimes and thought Cusack could help her.
Cusack wasn't present in court, but a prosecutor read a statement from him that stated he had never met Leatherman but hoped she received proper psychiatric help.
Cusack's screen credits include "Being John Malkovich," "High Fidelity" and "Grace Is Gone."
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