First paparazzo faces California anti-paparazzi law


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A paparazzo who allegedly pursued teen pop star Justin Bieber in a high-speed chase along the 101 Freeway will face criminal charges, the L.A. city attorney's office announced Wednesday, marking the first case filed under the state's harsher anti-paparazzi law.

Paul Raef, 30, a freelance photographer, was charged with reckless driving, failing to obey the lawful order of a peace officer, two counts of following another vehicle too closely and reckless driving with the intent to capture pictures for commercial gain, City Atty. Carmen Trutanich said in a statement.

Raef faces up to one year in county jail and fines totaling $3,500, Trutanich said. He is scheduled to appear in court Aug. 9.

The law, A.B. 2479, imposes stiffer penalties ? including possible jail time ? for photographers who drive recklessly or block sidewalks in pursuit of celebrities and create a sense of "false imprisonment."

CHP officers responded to a downtown Los Angeles parking garage, where they found a Toyota Rav 4 with the same license plate as one of the vehicles that allegedly chased Bieber.

The license plate was used to identify Raef as the driver, officials said.

Los Angeles City Councilman Dennis Zine, who called 911 to report the incident, said he saw paparazzi pursuing Bieber.

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Hopefully this will stop the hide-and-follow behavior of the Media, and celebrities will be allowed to have a private life.

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