Arrested Comedian Was in Alcohol Treatment

L O S   A N G E L E S, July 9, 2001 -- Comedian Paula Poundstone was in an alcohol rehab program when she was arrested on child endangerment charges two weeks ago, her lawyer revealed today.

Poundstone pleaded not guilty to child endangerment charges in a Santa Monica, Calif., courtroom last week.

When Poundstone was arrested, she was staying at a live-in alcohol treatment program, her attorney, Steven Cron, said on ABCNEWS Good Morning America.

"Paula has had an intermittent alcohol problem that's existed for a while," Cron said. "Recently it became more than she felt she could handle. So together with her family, before these charges came to light, they made the decision as a family that she was going to go into a live-in alcohol rehabilitation program."

The 41-year-old comedian now faces four felony charges: three counts of lewd acts upon a child under 14, and one count of child endangerment on four other children. If convicted of all charges, she could face up to 13 years and four months in prison.

Cron declined to discuss specifics of the charges against Poundstone, but he said the allegations are related to her drinking problem.

"I would say her involvement with alcohol was the basis for the allegations," Cron said. "Nevertheless, Paula is adamant and I am firmly of the belief that she is not guilty of the charges of lewd conduct."

Poundstone's attorney would not say whether the charges involved the five children who were in her care. The entertainer has been distraught over the charges, and is concerned about the welfare of her children, he said.

Poundstone has three adopted children and two foster children, all of whom are currently in the care of county authorities.

The comedian has a history of advocating on behalf of children, and has long supported children's rights and served as a foster parent for numerous children in the past, most of them abused and abandoned, Cron said.

As is typical in cases involving allegations of child molestation, the judge ordered Poundstone to stay away from minors, unless they are accompanied by a parent or guardian. All of the court documents were sealed. Poundstone will return to court July 30, when a date will be set for a preliminary hearing.