VAN NUYS : Judge May Let Actor Avoid Jail Term

A Van Nuys Superior Court judge said Wednesday that she would probably not sentence former actor Adam Rich to serve any time in jail if he pleads guilty to drug and burglary charges.

Judge Kathryne Ann Stoltz said she would probably suspend a four-year prison term and require Rich to complete a drug rehabilitation program if he pleads guilty to stealing a drug-filled syringe from a Marina del Rey hospital in October and to breaking into a West Hills pharmacy in April, 1991.

Rich, who played the youngest son on the TV series “Eight is Enough,” has until Aug. 3 to decide whether to proceed with a trial or plead guilty. If he does not change his plea, a trial will begin Aug. 10.

Rich’s attorney, Floyd J. Siegal, said that Rich wants some time to think about what he wants to do, but that the judge’s indicated sentence “was very fair and appropriate.” Deputy Dist. Atty. Teri M. Hutchison said she believes that Rich should be required to serve some time in jail.