Nicole Bobek, a 31-year-old former internationally known figure skater and U.S. Champion in 1995, was charged on July 6, 2009 with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. She was in the upper echelon of a drug trafficking ring that resulted in 19 arrests.
Bobek was extradited from Florida and brought back to Jersey City, New Jersey as a fugitive from justice. In her closed circuit arraignment, she was represented by Sam DeLuca at the Central Judicial Processing Center in Hudson County. Bobeck was dressed in green prison garb – see photos.
The crimes took place in New York, where the ring was reportedly bringing in the methamphetamine from the West Coast, and selling $10,000 worth per week. Police also confiscated guns and counterfeiting equipment. The group is believed to have been bleaching $1 bills and reprinting them in larger denominations.
Hudson County Prosecutor Edward DeFazio said, “She played a significant role in this operation. She was actively involved.” If convicted she could spend 10 years in jail and face a $150,000 fine. She is being held on a $200,000 bond.
Bobek had her most successful period in figure skating in 1995, when she was the U.S. Champion and won a bronze medal at the World Figure Skating Championships. Her career began to fall apart not long afterward and according to those close to the sport, she gained a reputation for poor training discipline and erratic behavior.
Bobek was charged as a minor in 1994 with first degree home invasion. She entered a home, removed money from a purse and was then foiled by the home owner who walked in on her. She was 17 years old at the time and her anonymity was to be protected under Michigan law. When the information leaked to the media the case was thrown out and she was not prosecuted.
View more photos and see her 1995 U.S. Championship performance video below.