Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, April 10, 1994                   TAG: 9404100016
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: B8   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: PITTSBURGH                                LENGTH: Medium

JURY FINDS JUSTICE GUILTY OF CONSPIRACY

Justice Rolf Larsen, who had been next in line for the chief justice's position, gaped when he heard the verdict but showed no other reaction. He faces a maximum sentence of three years in prison and a $10,000 fine on each count.

Larsen testified he has taken tranquilizers and anti-depression drugs for a decade. He said he asked a doctor to prescribe the drugs in his court employees' names to avoid the public stigma attached to mental illness.

Larsen, a justice since 1978, was relieved of his duties by his fellow justices after Attorney General Ernie Preate Jr. filed the charges in October.

The conviction will have no impact on any impeachment decisions, legislative leaders said.

One conspiracy count involved his arrangement with his employees, and the other to his arrangement with the doctor. He was acquitted of 14 counts of obtaining Valium, a controlled substance, by fraud.

One juror, Gary Ringling, said he wrestled with the legality vs. the morality of what Larsen did.

He said he voted to acquit on the obtaining charges because the prosecution did not prove beyond doubt that Larsen knew Valium is a controlled substance. Larsen testified he didn't know it was. Chief Deputy Attorney General Lawrence Claus suggested in closing statements that it was absurd to think Larsen was unfamiliar with state law.

Larsen's attorney said any announcement about the justice's future on the bench will come from Larsen. If he does not step down voluntarily, his fate will rest with the Judicial Conduct Board and the state House. Both are reviewing evidence in the case to determine whether to take disciplinary action.