Dr. Phil Bonds Teen Suspect Out Of Jail

BARTOW, Fla. - One of the teenagers accused of participating
in the videotaped attack of a fellow classmate was bailed out of jail
by the "Dr. Phil Show," officials with the show admitted.

After Mercades Nichols walked out of the Polk County, Florida jail
Friday (4-11) night, a representative with the show attempted to usher
the teen and her family away from Tampa reporters. The representative
told the Nichols family not to answer questions. He repeated several
times to reporters, "they have exclusivity."

In an e-mail, McGraw spokeswoman Theresa Corigliano said staff
members for the "Dr. Phil" talk show helped Mercades Nichols --
one of eight teens facing charges in the case - post bond this
weekend. Corigliano admitted that guests are provided with financial
assistance, such as a clothing allowance, lost wages and travel expenses.

But the spokeswoman said in the Nichols case, staff members went
beyond the normal guidelines.

The spokeswoman said the staff members have been reprimanded
and that the segment has now been cancelled.

Late Saturday night, Polk County Sheriff's Office spokesman
Scott Wilder said only two of the eight teens remained jailed.

The eight teens face kidnapping and misdemeanor battery charges.
Three also face a felony charge of witness tampering.