Scott Peterson's ex-girlfriend hires lawer

Scott Peterson's Ex-Girlfriend Hires Lawyer

LOS ANGELES — The woman who revealed she had a relationship with Scott Peterson said Monday she is prepared to testify at his trial on charges of murdering his pregnant wife, Laci, and their unborn child.

Amber Frey, 28, also said she has been hounded by news media and tabloids offering her money for her story ever since she came forward about a month after Laci Peterson disappeared.

As a result, she said, she hired celebrity lawyer Gloria Allred to fend off the offers, which she does not intend to accept, and to represent her as a witness.

"In addition to being a witness," Allred told a news conference, "Amber is also a victim of Scott's deception. Victims are entitled to attorneys, as are witnesses."

Frey, a Fresno massage therapist, has said she did not know Peterson was married when she met him in November.

"She has been offered money for interviews and she has refused and will continue to refuse those offers," Allred said. "We are committed to protecting the integrity of the prosecution and we will not allow her testimony to be contaminated by offers of money for her story."

Scott Peterson was arrested last month after the bodies of his wife and baby washed ashore on the Richmond shoreline of San Francisco Bay, a few miles from where he says he was fishing when his wife disappeared from their Modesto home in December. Divers searched the bay for a fourth straight day Monday for more evidence.

Frey spoke clearly at the press conference but appeared nervous. She declined to answer questions and said she would refer all inquiries to Allred.

"I don't think it's appropriate to talk about what might be contained in my testimony prior to my being called to the witness stand," she said.

"Until that time I just want to lead a normal life and regain my privacy. I hope that everyone will understand and respect my wishes," she said.

Allred said she expects the defense to attack Frey's credibility.

"Whatever it is we will be ready to defend Ms. Frey, for whom we have a great deal of respect," the attorney said.

Allred said that to her knowledge police never considered Frey a suspect and that when she testifies "it will be clear a thousand times over that she has been an innocent victim."

Frey wants to return to a normal life, her attorney said.

"It is very difficult for a person who is a private figure suddenly to be thrust into the ... international spotlight. Amber is a person of strong faith, she has strong family values and ties and she doesn't wish to be a public figure," Allred said.

The attorney said Frey has "enormous empathy" for Laci Peterson's family.

"Every time she thinks of them she can barely hold back the tears because she is really very upset about their loss," Allred said.

The attorney said she believed there have been some untrue reports about Frey and would review all reports to protect Frey's reputation. She would not specify which reports were not true.