PITTSBURGH, PA — The wheels of justice – and injustice – often move slowly. In the legal case against Extreme Associates’ Rob Black and Lizzie Borden, those wheels have been slowly turning for five years. They will finally move forward again on March 16, 2009.The couple, whose legal names are Robert Zicari and Janet Romano, are accused of violating national obscenity laws by producing and distributing erotic videos depicting what the mainstream media calls “rape and murder.” They were indicted in August 2003 on 10 obscenity-related counts. Their company has also been charged.
U.S. District Judge Gary L. Lancaster today scheduled March 16th, 2009 as the trial date for the couple and their Los Angeles company.
Legal proceedings were set in motion in 2002, when an undercover U.S. Postal Service inspector intentionally purchased videos from the Extreme Associates’ website, which requires membership for such activities. Lancaster pointed to such a requirement as evidence that technology is available to keep those who do not wish to be exposed to erotic materials from coming into casual contact with them.
Lancaster dismissed charges against all three entities in January 2005, rejecting the government’s claims that it had the legal right to restrict distribution of obscene materials in what it insists is an effort to protect minors and those offended by sexually explicit materials.
U.S. Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan challenged Lancaster’s decision, which was overturned by the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals in December 2005. The case has languished since then.
Zicari and Romano face the possibility of 50 years in prison and a $2.5 million fine if convicted, while their company could be fined as much as $5 million.
