ROMANOWSKI PROBE BLASTED

Dec. 11, 2000 - DOUGLAS COUNTY - Criminal charges against Julie Romanowski,
related to obtaining prescription drugs, should be dismissed because they
were obtained by government agents using "outrageous" investigative
techniques, according to an attorney for the wife of Denver Broncos
linebacker Bill Romanowski.

Agents threatened the Romanowski's nanny with deportation, used threats and
promises to induce Julie Romanowski's doctor to secretly record phone
conversations with her and Bill Romanowski and harassed the couple during
an autographsigning appearance at the Park Meadows Mall, according to court
papers.

Attorney Harvey Steinberg declined to comment on his request to have the
case dismissed before it is heard in Douglas County Court on Dec. 20.

Prosecutors allege that Julie Romanowski's doctor, Randall Snook,
prescribed the prescription diet drug Phentermine to her and a family
friend even though it was intended for Bill Romanowski's use. The appetite
suppressant also acts as a stimulant to the central nervous system.

Julie Romanowski has been charged with one count of conspiracy to obtain a
controlled substance by fraud and deceit and eight counts of obtaining a
controlled substance by fraud and deceit.

During their investigation into the case, according to court papers filed
by her attorney, five agents entered the Romanowski home without
permission, separated Julie Romanowski from her husband and interviewed her
without advising her of her rights.

Steinberg also has filed a motion to have statements made to agents during
that Aug. 21, 1999, visit suppressed.

According to papers filed on her behalf, agents for the federal Drug
Enforcement Agency violated the doctor-patient privilege between Julie
Romanowski and Snook by inducing Snook to record telephone conversations.

The district attorney's office, meanwhile, has made statements to the media
"that appears calculated to embarrass the Romanowskis," according to
Steinberg. He cited comments from Mike Knight, spokesman for the 18th
Judicial District, about Julie Romanowski being late for court. Knight
"commented that the courts were extremely lenient and that was
unfortunate," according to the papers.

Knight said his comments to a reporter were taken out of context.

"What I was explaining to the reporter was that Julie Romanowski received
no different treatment as anybody else. If anyone showed up a half-hour
late, they'd receive the same treatment.

"He (the reporter) said, 'That doesn't seem right.' " Knight said he
replied, "The courts are lenient."

Julie Romanowski was initially charged last year with one count of
conspiracy to obtain a controlled substance by fraud and deceit. Steinberg
said the district attor ney's office filed the eight additional charges
because she refused to accept a plea bargain.

Bill Romanowski was indicted on one count of unlawful possession of a
controlled substance, two counts of conspiracy and one count of obtaining a
controlled substance by fraud and deceit.

Steinberg is representing both Bill and Julie Romanowski. They are to
appear in court Tuesday to be advised by independent attorneys of the
possible conflict that could arise from sharing an attorney.