EX-JUROR FIGHTS OBSTRUCTION CHARGE

MIAMI - A former federal grand juror pleaded not guilty to charges of
leaking information about a drug investigation that included a search of
O.J. Simpson's home.

John Acosta, 31, was charged with obstruction of justice for tipping off a
friend who later was charged as part of a sting operation into an ecstasy
drug ring, authorities said.

Acosta, of Westchester, also is charged with contempt of court for
disobeying a court order of secrecy and making false statements to the FBI
and the Drug Enforcement Administration, authorities said.

He pleaded not guilty Monday.

Acosta faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted. He is free on $100,000
bail.

Federal agents searched Simpson's house Dec. 4 as part of the investigation
into an ecstasy ring tied to money laundering and satellite TV equipment
theft. Simpson has not been arrested or charged.