American Idol Jessica Sierra Claims Innocence

With a new season of American Idol only weeks away, a former contestant continues to grab headlines with her bad behavior.

Jessica Sierra, a top 10 finalist in the 2005 season, has pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from a drunken confrontation with police at a Tampa nightclub last weekend.

Sierra, 22, was arrested in the wee hours of Dec. 1 and charged with disorderly intoxication, resisting arrest and violating conditions of her parole on felony battery and drug possession charges in an early case.

She is being held without bail and will remain behind bars at least until her next hearing Dec. 20.

Sierra's attorney, John Fitzgibbons, said Thursday he is working with medical professionals to plan a comprehensive drug and alcohol treatment program for his client.

The would-be singer's latest arrest came less than two weeks after she pleaded no contest to charges stemming from another barroom altercation in April, where she was accused of hitting a man on the head with a glass. After she was taken into custody, police discovered a small amount of cocaine on her person.

Circuit County Judge Gregory Holder sentenced her on Nov. 19 to 12 months' probation and random drug screening.

Sierra entered a rehab program in California in July. Her treatment was slated to be the focus of an episode of VH1's upcoming reality show Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew.

Via eonline.com