MARTHA SASSONE - JUDGE ALLOWS ARRESTED RAPPER TO PROMOTE NEW CD

A Louisiana judge has ruled rapper COREY MILLER can promote his new CD while under house arrest, but cannot discuss the murder charge against him. Miller, 35, has been ordered to stay at his grandmother's home until a date for his new trial on second-degree murder charges is set. The rapper, who has performed under the name C-MURDER and C-MILLER, is accused of murdering a 16 year old who was shot in the chest during a brawl at a now-closed club in 2002. Judge MARTHA SASSONE told Miller Thursday (01MAR07) that she must approve any visitors, including reporters. She explained, "As it pertains to his livelihood, (Miller) can speak to whomever he likes on the phone insofar as it doesn't relate to this case." Sassone has had a gag order in place for years to keep pretrial publicity to a minimum. Miller's attorney argued the gag order conflicted with his constitutional right to free speech and his ability to make money to support his family and pay his legal fees.