PICS OF DAY

PICS OF DAY
Virgin Mary In Tree Stump?

°

Homepage / Orlando News
Text Size

'Dr. Phil' TV Show Bails Out Fla. Girl Jailed In 'Cheerleader' Beating

Nichols Accused Of Luring Victim To Her Home

POSTED: Sunday, April 13, 2008
UPDATED: 9:33 am EDT April 14, 2008

Television talk show host "Dr. Phil" McGraw's show posted bail for a Central Florida teenager accused of taking part in the notorious videotaped beating of a classmate described by the sheriff as "animalistic."
PHOTOS: Photos Of Girls

Staff members for the "Dr. Phil" talk show helped Mercades Nichols -- one of eight teens facing charges in the case -- post bond this weekend, McGraw spokeswoman Theresa Corigliano said in an e-mail.

Local 6 reported that Nichols is the teen accused of luring the victim to her home for the beating.

"We have helped guests and potential guests in the past when they need financial assistance to come on the show -- assisting with clothing allowance, lost wages, accommodations, travel and necessities," Corigliano wrote. "In this case, certain staff members went beyond our guidelines (re the bail being paid). These staff members have been spoken to and our policies reiterated. In addition, we have decided not to go forward with the story as our guidelines have been compromised."

Late Saturday night, Polk County Sheriff's Office spokesman Scott Wilder said only two of the eight teens remained jailed. The eight teens, whose ages range from 14 to 18, face kidnapping and misdemeanor battery charges. Three also face a felony charge of witness tampering.

They are accused of participating in a violent beating of another teenager, which was videotaped and has now been viewed widely on national TV and the Internet.

A judge set bails ranging from $30,000 to $37,000 for each during their first court appearances Friday. The state attorney's office says all will be tried as adults.

McGraw drew criticism earlier this year when he confronted troubled pop star Britney Spears at the UCLA Medical Center during a stay at the facility.

At one point, McGraw had planned an episode of the "Dr. Phil" show about Spears, but quickly abandoned the idea. He has since apologized for discussing his visit publicly -- but not for going to see her.

Families Receive Death Threats

Meanwhile, some families of the six girls and two boys accused in the videotaped beating have received death threats from across the country after their addresses and phone numbers were posted on the Internet, inside a YouTube video.

The YouTube video called for the public to take action, saying, "let your voices be heard."

The video then posts the girl's names, their phone numbers, addresses and other information.

Local 6 reported that some of the families have spoken with deputies about the possibility of getting protection for their safety.

Watch Local 6 News for more on this story.

Links We Like

Sponsored Content
Is your bathroom in serious need of an update? We’ve got the tips and tricks to help you turn it into a major selling point in your home. More

There is no absolute number of drinks per day that defines alcoholism. Learn the behavior and body reactions that constitute alcoholism. More

Find out what a sputtering economy and an increasingly difficult to crack job market means to you. More

The signs of Cancer can sometimes be very subtle. Here's a guide to help you recognize them early. More

Most Popular