Caylee Anthony Update 20 January

It was an opening to the 6 p.m. news you wouldn't forget. The Casey Anthony case was the story Monday, and WFTV-Channel 9 anchor Bob Opsahl trumpeted the headline.

"Right now, you're the first to hear a stunning new development in the case against Casey," Opsahl said. "We uncovered bold new allegations that secret entertainment deals could be helping to pay for Casey's defense."

The big story: Could Casey's attorney Jose Baez be removed from the case because of a conflict of interest?

Reporter Mary Nguyen said Baez's spokesman, Todd Black, denied the allegations, yet added that Baez had brokered some deals on licensing fees.

The source of Baez's funding has been a prime topic of speculation, because he won't identify it.

WFTV reported that someone has complained to the state attorney's office that Baez could have made a deal based on the case's outcome.

Judge Stan Strickland would decide if there is a conflict of interest that would warrant Baez's removal.

The WFTV report was shocking and gossipy, all right, but not substantial. I would have liked to know more details about the complaint. After all, the report raised serious questions about Baez. I'd sure like to know more about his reaction.

But the report did get me thinking: What would this case be like without Baez?

WFTV and WESH-Channel 2 reported on a change-of-venue motion that the defense is seeking. The hearing could come within the next month, WFTV's Opsahl said. The motion could come this week, WESH said.

WESH's Bob Kealing laid out the possibilities: The case could be moved to another Florida city or out-of-town jurors could hear it in Orlando. But a change of venue would be expensive, Kealing noted.

"Judging from the e-mails we've already gotten from taxpayers, they're not at all happy with the idea of paying more to move Casey's trial," Kealing said. "But experts say it may be the only way to protect her constitutional right to a fair trial."

You know that Jose Baez is expecting something out of this. He is representing Casey out of the kindness of his heart. Remember in the beginning Casey lied to him and said that she could afford to pay him. Expect a book and public appearances after the case is over. And you know that he is counting on a flood of clients after the case.

A word of warning to the people of Orlando. Modesto and Stanislaus County had to go to the State of California hat in hand after the Scott Peterson case. It was a financial disaster.

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