Apology In Zeta-Jones Stalk Case

A woman who has pleaded not guilty to felony charges of stalking actress Catherine Zeta-Jones has written a letter of apology, her lawyer said.

Dawnette Knight, 32, in an undated letter addressed to the actress and her father-in-law, Kirk Douglas, said she wants "to apologize for any distress I have caused you and your families."

Knight remains behind bars on $1 million bail, pending a July 26 hearing to determine if there is enough evidence to require her to stand trial. A preliminary hearing was held Tuesday.

Knight's lawyer, Richard Herman, gave reporters copies of the letter on Tuesday. He said he hopes his client will receive counseling and be able to put the matter behind her.

Knight said she would "have never done anyone any harm and would never harm anyone," but also acknowledged an infatuation with Zeta-Jones' actor husband.

"I was a confused young woman infatuated with Michael Douglas and have not rational explanations for my actions," her letter said. Knight asked for forgiveness so that she can return to college and finish her studies in child psychology.

Zeta-Jones' staff notified the sheriff's department around February that the 34-year-old, Oscar-winning star of "Chicago" was receiving threatening letters.

Investigators said they were able to trace several letters and phone calls to Knight, including one to Austria where Zeta-Jones was filming "Ocean's Twelve."

The letters and phone calls had become increasingly violent and specific, said sheriff's Lt. Joe Impellizeri. He said Knight was given a high bail because she was considered a flight risk.

Knight was arrested June 3 at her Beverly Hills apartment and charged with one count of stalking and 24 counts of criminal threats, officials said.

If convicted, she could face anywhere from probation to 19 years in prison.