Search group: Make Anthony answer queries

December 20, 2011 at 12:00a.m.

Orlando Sentinel

ORLANDO, Fla.

The question of whether Casey Anthony will be compelled to fully answer some or all questions in connection with the two lawsuits filed against her remains unanswered.

Circuit Judge Lisa T. Munyon heard arguments Monday from an attorney from the volunteer search group Texas EquuSearch suing Anthony as well as the young woman’s civil attorney. But she has not ruled yet on whether 25-year-old Anthony will be made to answer any questions, under oath, regarding the whereabouts of her daughter Caylee Marie Anthony back in the summer of 2008.

Judge Munyon indicated she may request additional information on this issue in a special, closed-door hearing that would not be public, or she may issue an overall order regarding the deposition issue.

Texas EquuSearch is suing Anthony and wants her to answer questions on the record about what she knew about her daughter’s 2008 disappearance. The group wants reimbursement for $110,000 spent on searches conducted in September and November that year.

EquuSearch’s efforts to get information from Anthony are very similar to those of Zenaida Gonzalez, who is suing her for defamation. Lawyers for both plaintiffs want Anthony to answer questions, and not be allowed to invoke her Fifth Amendment right.

But Anthony’s lawyer Charles Greene argues that as long as Anthony appeals her four convictions for lying to law enforcement, she keeps her constitutional privilege and protection from self-incrimination.

Greene has asked for the private hearing with the judge to further make his argument. Outside court Monday, he said the other side’s question about who Caylee’s biological father is, is “designed for harassment” and no other productive purpose in the case.

Greene also denied that he or another civil attorney working on the Anthony case were shopping around her story for a large payout.

Greene’s statements came several days after reports that Los Angeles-based Scott Sternberg Productions has been pitching an interview with Anthony for $500,000 to $750,000.

Meanwhile, Texas EquuSearch attorney Marc Wites said the “unfortunate reality of this case” is that Anthony will profit from her story with a book, a movie, photos or video. He said the purpose of the group’s suit is to get at the truth and recover money for the group.

Casey Anthony was born in Warren in 1986 to George and Cindy Anthony, who lived in Howland before moving the family to Florida in 1989.