07JanWire

Goodbye Vito
  Vincent Margera, AKA Don Vito, the cock-eyed uncle of Professional Skateboarder and Viva La Bam Star Bam Margera, has been sentenced to 10 years of
probation by a Colorado judge, with the condition that he must give up the alter ego of Don Vito that he has made famous on the MTV show Viva La Bam. In October
of 2007, 51-year-old Margera was found guilty on two accounts of sexual assault on a minor. Margera was much more relaxed and somber this time in court. Back in
October when the guilty verdict from the jury was announced, Margera collapsed violently and yelled “Just kill me now.” Which let to him being placed on Suicide
Watch. On December 20th there were no outburst to the Judge’s decision, Margera stayed composed.
  The Probation sentence was in response to the incident that occurred in August of 2006 during a photo and autograph signing event at the Colorado Mills Mall
Skate Park during which Margera allegedly fondled three young girls ages 12 and 14. Margera's attorney had argued that the reality star took on the persona of the
outrageous Don Vito character during the appearance as an explanation for his actions.
  Judge M.J. Menendez, over saw Margera’s case in Colorado and informed Margera that he was not to “ attend autograph sessions, write books or appear on
television shows” during the length of his of decade probation. According to a press release from Jefferson and Gilpin County District Attorney’s office, Margera
also has to register as a sexual offender just like everyone else. This is all part of the “Intensive Supervision Probation Program” of the state of Colorado. The
minimum sentence of the program is 10 years with the maximum being life. Margera has also been ordered to “work on” his substance abuse problems, (yes with an s,
plural), not to mention he must receive a mental health evaluation. If it is considered necessary after he is evaluated Margera could also have to complete sex-offender
treatment and drug and alcohol treatment.
    Margera escaped a much harsher penalty, which could have been up to six years in prison for each count. Judge Menendez is allowing Margera to travel home to
Pennsylvania for 7 days to celebrate the holidays with his family, and has ordered that his ISP supervision be transferred to Pennsylvania, but only if “the Jefferson
County probation department finds that the state has comparable programs.” Until a transfer of probation is accepted, Margera must remain in Colorado until the
proceedings of his other criminal cases are concluded. The proceedings include an instance of a violation of the conditions of his bond in the sexual-assault matter.
The arraignment for that case is set for January 18, 2008. -Justin Lee Amidon

Aaron Rothe Isn’t So Gorgeous
As of December 20th 2007 Aaron Rothe has left Drop
Dead Gorgeous according to a Myspace blog on his
official Myspace page. Rothe, who played the Keyboards
for the Colorado hardcore band, hasn’t stated any specific
problems with other members in the DDG camp. He only
stated that “Over the last 2 years I have really figured out
what I want to do with music and it differs greatly from
DDG. I have reached a point in my life where it's time for
me to do what I want and need to do.”
Rothe also went on to say “ I have to do what fulfills me
and makes me happy and DDG was not the right outlet for
me. I want to love and help people through music that is
real and now it's time for me to do that. I am very excited
for this next chapter of my life and to live it with you.”
DDG haven’t replaced Rothe with another Keyboard
player and have yet to release a statement of their own
regarding Rothe’s departure. DDG are scheduled to start a
tour with Haste the Day, Scary Kids Scaring Kids and
Gwen Stacy on January 11th. -Justin Lee Amidon