Rihanna seeking return of pricey jewelry

[April 25, 2009]  LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Rihanna is seeking the return of $1.4 million in jewelry she was wearing the night she was allegedly beaten by Chris Brown. Donald Etra, an attorney for the "Umbrella" singer, filed a motion Tuesday asking that Los Angeles police and prosecutors return a pair of earrings and three rings, which were seized as evidence.

The motion states that Brown's attorney, and a Los Angeles Police Department detective overseeing the case, do not object to the return of the items. They have agreed that photographs can be used if the case goes to trial, the documents state.

The filing includes a general description of the items, saying they all are made of "yellow metal" and all but one includes "white stones." The value of the items is at least $1.4 million, the motion states. It argues that photographs of the items will satisfy the needs of attorneys and asks the court "to order the return of the property to (Rihanna) without further delay."

A spokeswoman for the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office said the agency would not comment on the motion.

The jewelry was part of the ensemble that Rihanna, whose real name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, was wearing when Brown allegedly beat her while driving home from a pre-Grammy party. Brown is accused of hitting, biting and choking his girlfriend as the couple drove through the upscale Hancock Park neighborhood.

The filing indicates the jewelry was loaned to the singer by four companies, which want the items back. The items are wanted for events overseas, the filing states.

Brown was arrested Feb. 8 and charged with felony assault and making criminal threats. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges and his case is due back in court on Wednesday, when a judge will consider the jewelry motion as well. Brown is not required to attend that hearing.

Etra has said that Rihanna would prefer prosecutors and Brown reach a plea agreement before a trial, but that the 21-year-old singer would testify if called.

[Associated Press; By ANTHONY McCARTNEY]

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