Cops Charged in Sarah Jessica Parker Surrogate Scandal

By Sarah Harper

Published on August 03, 2009

On Friday, an Ohio court began the arraignment of three individuals charged in a celebrity surrogacy scandal. Two police chiefs (Martins Ferry Police Chief Barry Carpenter and Bridgeport Police Chief Chad Dojack) and the son of Bridgeport's mayor (Bruce Callarik, who is also Dojack's father-in-law) face felony charges in the incident.

The charged were allegedly involved in breaking into and entering the residence of Michelle Ross, the surrogate mother who, in June, gave birth to twins for celebrity couple Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick. Allegedly, Carpenter broke into the residence, and Dojack and Callarik were accomplices. They committed the crime, authorities say, in order to acquire information for the media.

Carpenter is charged with felony burglary, receiving stolen property, theft in office, unauthorized use of telecommunications property, and tampering with evidence. Dojack is charged with complicity to burglary and receiving stolen property. Callarik is charged with a felony count of complicity to receiving stolen property. All three pleaded not guilty to their respective charges and are free on their own recognizance.

If convicted, Carpenter could face up to 21 ½ years in prison and up to $45,000 in fines; Dojack could face up to 14 ½ years in prison and up to $30,000 in fines; and Callarik could face 18 months in prison and up to $5,000 in fines.

Carpenter's trial is scheduled for October, Dojack's for November, and Callarik's for August.

Comment on this article →