Carona trail

The public corruption trial of former Orange County Sheriff Mike Carona continued today, with Mark Dilullo, the prosecution’s first witnesses, getting back on the stand.

Dilullo, a Rancho Cucumonga pilot who owns his own company, told jurors yesterday that he got $5,000 in illegal campaign contributions for Carona’s 1998 campaign from co-workers and friends. He testified was later reimbursed by Don Haidl, a former assistant sheriff whose relationship with the ex-sheriff is at the crux of the government’s case. He also told jurors he flew a “Carona for Sheriff” banner over the home of Carona’s rival Santa Ana Police Chief Paul Walter — at the direction of Carona.

Today, the pilot told jurors that he arranged several flights for the Caronas, the Jaramillos and the Haidls to destinations such as Lake Tahoe and Las Vegas. Carona never paid for any of the trips, he testified.
As for the campaign contributions, he said he knew it was illegal, and said he once had a conversation about the money with Carona — during a trip to Las Vegas.

“You did it because Mr. Haidl gave you marching orders, correct?” asked Assistant U.S. Attorney Ken Julian.

“Partially, yes, sir,” Dilullo answered.
After Carona was elected, he appointed Haidl to the newly created position of assistant sheriff over the department’s reserve program. Dilullo, who was appointed as a sheriff’s reservist, also said he once traveled to Georgia for three weeks to be trained in environmental crimes.

“From my perception … it was a legitimate enterprise,” he testified of the reserve program.

Defense attorney Jeff Rawitz began cross-examining Dilullo, questioning his relationship with haidl. He admitted he got “bridge loan” from Haidl to assist him in purchasing a $75,000 airplane. Rawitz also questioned his memory regarding whether Carona was present on some of the flights.