Back in Atlanta, Dallas Austin heads to church ...
by TFSnewsRoom/AJC.com
Back in Atlanta, Dallas Austin heads to church
By SONIA MURRAY
Published on: 07/09/06
Atlanta entertainment mogul Dallas Austin attended Word of Faith Family Worship Center in Austell Sunday morning, with his attorney Joel Katz.
It is believed to be Austin's first public appearance in his hometown since the music and movie producer left Dubai July 5. Austin was arrested May 19 at Dubai International Airport for possessing 1.26 grams of cocaine. The 35-year-old Grammy winner pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to four years in prison. Hours later, however, he was pardoned by the ruler of Dubai, Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Word of Faith pastor Bishop Dale Bronner acknowledged Austin and Katz from the pulpit, and they were shown on the church's big-screen monitor. But Austin, who was there with his mother and other members of his family, did not address the congregation.
Austin's appearance came a day after the New York Times reported that numerous celebrated figures in politics and entertainment, including Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah and music legends Quincy Jones and Lionel Ritchie, were among those working to secure his release from Dubai. Hatch, who is a sometime musician, is also represented by Katz, an entertainment attorney with Greenberg Traurig in Atlanta.
Hatch's office confirmed his involvement to the Associated Press, releasing this statement:
"Senator Hatch was contacted by Mr. Austin's attorneys, one of whom used to work on his staff.
"The Senator has good relations with the [U.S.] Ambassador and other good people in Dubai and is confident that this talented young man will learn from this experience.
"Senator Hatch is also grateful to the leaders of Dubai for agreeing to provide a workable and compassionate solution for this situation."