Judge Dismisses Charges Against Five Star’s Ken Graham

PHOENIX — Over what one observer termed “strong and repeated government objections,” Judge Rosalyn O. Silver yesterday dismissed all charges against Ken Graham, co-owner of Five Star Video and Five Star Video Outlet.

A source intimately familiar with the case who asked to remain anonymous told XBIZ that the prosecution rested their case after the jury had viewed three of the four videos that the government alleged to be obscene and dismissed the counts related to the fourth video.

After the prosecution rested both the noncorporate defendants, Graham and Five Star’s other co-owner Chris Ankeney, moved to dismiss the charges.

After extensive arguments the judge considered the arguments and ruled that insufficient facts had been presented by the government for a reasonable jury to find that Graham had sufficient knowledge and control of the materials charged in the case, according to the source.

The source emphasized to XBIZ that the judge made her ruling despite “strong and repeated government objections.”

“The judge indicated that it was a very close call for Mr. Ankeney, as well,” the source told XBIZ, meaning that the government had managed to produce just enough evidence to avoid dismissal of the charges against Ankeney.

With the dismissal of the charges against Graham and the dropping of charges against JM Productions last week, what started as a case with charges aimed at three human beings, (Graham, Ankeney and JM Production’s Jeff Steward), and three corporate entities (Five Star Video, Five Star Video Outlet and JM Productions) is now a case involving one human being and two corporate entities.

Jeffrey Douglas, attorney for Graham, and Richard Hertzberg, attorney for Ankeney, were unavailable for comment at press time.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

UK Lawmaker Calls for Appointment of 'Porn Minister'

Baroness Gabrielle Bertin, the Conservative member of Parliament who recently convened a new anti-pornography task force, is calling for the appointment of a “minister for porn,” according to British news outlet The Guardian.

FSC Toasts Jeffrey Douglas for 30 Years of Service

n the very same evening when the adult industry was hit hard by the Supreme Court ruling supporting Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181, members of the Free Speech Coalition board, staff and supporters gathered to celebrate Jeffrey Douglas’ 30 years as board chair — a fitting reflection of his reputation as an eternal optimist.

FSC: Age-Verification Laws Go Into Effect South Dakota, Georgia, Wyoming on July 1

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published a statement regarding new age verification laws set to go into effect tomorrow in South Dakota, Georgia, and Wyoming.

FSC Responds to Supreme Court Decision on Texas AV Law

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has released a statement responding to last week's Supreme Court decision on FSC v. Paxton, the Texas age verification law.

Le Wand's 'Petite' Highlighted in NY Magazine Article

Le Wand’s Petite massage wand has been recognized in NY Magazine's The Strategist round-up of top-rated massagers.

UPDATED: Supreme Court Rules Against Adult Industry in Pivotal Texas AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday issued its decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, striking a blow against the online adult industry by ruling in support of Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

North Carolina Passes Extreme Bill Targeting Adult Sites

The North Carolina state legislature this week ratified a bill that would impose new regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Orion Debuts 'Gyro' Stroker From You2Toys Line

Orion Wholesale has introduced the You2Toys Gyro stroker.

Share Satisfaction Debuts 'Evolve Penis Pump' Collection

Wellness brand Share Satisfaction has introduced its new Evolve Penis Pump line.

ULoversDoll Debuts 'Isabella' Love Doll

ULoversDoll has added Isabella to its Top-Cydoll collection.

Show More