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Casey Anthony files for bankruptcy

Anthony says bankruptcy is 'next step towards closure for me'

ORLANDO, Fla. – Casey Anthony says she filed for bankruptcy protection in Florida late Friday, a move that would bring all of her civil cases in state court to a complete halt.

Phoenix CBS affiliate KPHO reported Anthony confirmed the news in a phone interview Friday.

"This is the next step towards closure for me," said Anthony.

Anthony is listed as a defendant in three civil suits in Orange County.

"These are the things holding me back," said Anthony. "This is the key for me to move forward."

"She needs closure in this matter in order to move on with her life," said Anthony's civil attorney Charles Greene.

KPHO reported court documents show Anthony's liabilities and the possible financial claims against her total more than $792,119.

Those financial claims include:

  • $500,000 – Attorney Jose Baez
  • $60,505 – Florida Department of Law Enforcement
  • $68,540 – Internal Revenue Service
  • $10,283 – Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation
  • $145,660 – Orange County Sheriff's Office

According to the 60 page filing, Anthony's total assets are listed at less than $1,100.

Local 6 Legal Analyst Amir Ladan says the bankruptcy filing will prompt a stay in the civil cases against Anthony, including one brought by Zenaida Gonzalez, the woman Anthony named as a suspect in Caylee's disappearance.

Matt Morgan, Gonzalez' attorney told Local 6 even if the bankruptcy delays his client's case he'll still go after Anthony for damages.

"Zenaida has suffered a tremendous amount and she continues to seek one thing only and that's justice. We're going to stay the course we are prepared and ultimately Zenaida will get her day in court and Casey Anthony will be held accountable," said Morgan.

Ladan says it could take three to four months for the next step in the proceedings to come, and that would include appointing a trustee to present Anthony's financials before a judge.

Ladan says creditors would most likely challenge the bankruptcy, claiming Anthony may soon have the opportunity for significant income.

"She certainly could be in a good position if she's discharged of all liabilities and then she signs a big deal," he said.

Earlier this week, the 5th District Court of Appeal set aside two of the four convictions Casey Anthony faced for lying to detectives during the investigation into her missing 2-year-old daughter.

Stay tuned to Local 6 for more on this story.


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