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

Eye of Love Debuts 'Pheromone Roll-On Duo' From Bloom Line

Eye of Love has introduced the Pheromone Roll-On Duo fragrance set from its Bloom collection.

Full Circle Releases 'Grinders' Collection

Pleasure brand Full Circle has debuted its new Grinders collection of discreet vibrators.

Doc Johnson, Polynesian Pleasures Ink Distro Deal

Pleasure brand Polynesian Pleasures has signed a deal with Doc Johnson for global distribution.

Sydney Screams, Creature Feature Toys & Tailends Studios Launch Limited Partnership

Sydney Screams, Creature Feature Toys, and Tailends Studios have launched a one-month campaign to produce customizable dildos, with some proceeds benefiting SWAID Collective.

Federal Appeals Court Vacates FTC 'Click to Cancel' Rule Pending Review

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit on Tuesday vacated the Federal Trade Commission’s “click-to-cancel” rule aimed at making it easier for consumers to cancel online subscriptions, pending further review.

Sexpo Australia Founder Launches SexEx

Sexpo Australia founder David Ross has launched his new adult lifestyle expo, SexEx.

Orion Unveils New Styles From 'Svenjoyment Bondage' Line

Orion Wholesale has released two new styles from its Svenjoyment Bondage line.

NYC Adult Stores Lose Challenge to Zoning Law, May Face Relocation

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit on Tuesday upheld a lower court’s decision to allow enforcement of a 2001 zoning law aimed at forcing adult retail stores out of most parts of New York City.

FSC Drops Florida AV Lawsuit in Wake of SCOTUS Decision

A U.S. district court judge granted on Tuesday a motion by Free Speech Coalition to dismiss the trade association’s lawsuit over Florida’s age verification law, a case that had been on hold pending the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the constitutionality of state AV laws.

B-Vibe Spotlighted in Glamour Magazine

B-Vibe has been named Best for Anal Toys in a Glamour Magazine article on pleasure brands.

Show More