Intrigue Surrounds Felon Caught Up in Probe of Missing Fox Executive

Fox executive Gavin Smith was last seen on May 1

Sentencing in a two-year-old drug case has been delayed once again for a West Hills man caught up in the current probe into the disappearance of a Fox film executive who lived a few miles away.

Now in custody, defendant John Creech, 39, was free on his own recognizance at the time Gavin Smith disappeared in early May. Smith, 57, has not been May 1.

On June 8, authorities investigating the Smith case executed a search warrant at the house where Creech was living.

Creech has not been charged with any crime in connection with Smith but at a court appearance in late June, he was remanded into custody by Superior Court Judge Clifford Klein.

Creech had originally been arrested by Glendale Police, who alleged that a 2010 surveillance operation observed Creech making a drug drop at a unit in a Chatsworth business park.

If convicted, Creech faces up to 10 years in the drug case which has become enmeshed in intrigue.

Creech's attorney sought the latest continuance in order to give Glendale Police time to respond to a demand for documents.

The nature of the documents was not revealed in open court. Judge Klein referred to a need for "confidentiality" regarding issues that had been discussed in chambers in June.

Outside court, Creech's attorney Daniel Teola said simply that the documents would be "helpful" to the defense in its effort to get a more favorable sentence.

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Creech has said he's never met Smith but his wife Chandrika met Smith in therapy, according to an unnamed source cited by the Los Angeles Times.

The Sheriff's search warrant affidavit and return for the Creech house have been sealed. However, a cover page referred to probable cause for suspicion a felony had been committed at the house.

Sheriff's investigators have not divulged what they learned from the search.

The Smith case is still being investigated as a disappearance and at this point has not been determined to be a homicide, according to Steve Whitmore, spokesman for LA County Sheriff’s Department.

Creech's sentencing in the drug case has been rescheduled for Aug. 29.

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