by Michael Webster: Investigative Reporter
Sheriff Mike Carona
ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF AND HIGH RANKING ELECTED OFFICIALS UNDER INVESTIGATION BY THE FEDS AND THE CALIFORNIA ATTORNEY GENERAL by Michael Webster: Investigative Reporter
Lt. Bill Hunt
The district attorney is investigating sheriff's candidate Lt. Bill Hunt; Hunt calls probe "abuse of power." Report faults Carona rival Candidate Hunt
Booking
photos: George Henry
Jaramillo and Erica Lynne Hill. Photo's
Orange County Weekly
Connecting the Dots
Ambassador George Argyros, a billionaire Newport Beach real estate developer
Its alleged during a major fraud investigation where Mr. Argyros was the target, Mr. Rackauckas in his official capacity as Orange County's District Attorney hampered the case against Argyros, the billionaire Newport Beach real estate developer, Rackauckas contributor and former U.S. Ambassador to Spain. According to sources close to the investigation said the California Attorney General’s office was so suspicious of Rackauckas’ conduct that they had one of the DA’s own staff secretly record internal private conversations.
Michael J. Schroeder
Schroeder is key. His reach is seemingly universal. His wife,
Susan, works as Rackauckas’ top media strategist. His best friend, Jon
Fleischman, serves as Carona’s top media/political consultant in the
sheriff’s department.
District Attorney Tony Rackauckas
Lt. Bill Hunt, who is running against Carona, charges that the DA's investigation is a 'misuse of authority" and the filing of a complaint against the DA is expected.
Shirley Grindle's crusade to get district attorney Tony Rackauckas to simply enforce the law.
One
Good Bribery Charge Deserves Another
After grand jury indicts Jaramillo, ex-top cop accuses DA of
similar crime. By R. Scott Moxley (July 25, 2005)
DA Rackauckas and his investigators allegedly
• disregarded blatant campaign fund-raising crimes involving
contributions to Carona, who recently announced his 2006 re-election bid;
• uncovered evidence of an apparent quid pro quo in which the sheriff
offered Gabbard county jail inmates as free labor;
• ignored the actions of several other local cops who had financial
relationships with Gabbard;
• launched the case based on Gabbard, a onetime violent career criminal with
deep personal animosity against Jaramillo and with no compunction about lying
repeatedly during FBI and DA interviews;
• focused on Jaramillo, despite uncovering exonerating evidence, and
explored at least five different legal theories for an arrest before settling
on less serious conflict-of-interest and misappropriation-of-public-resources
charges.
Congressman Dana Rohrabacher
Scott Baugh
Former Assemblyman, and Orange County Republican Party Chairman
According to the OC Weekly on a Saturday morning in Dec. 1995,
investigators raided the Huntington Beach home of then-freshman Assemblyman
Scott Baugh. Republican Mike Capizzi, then the county DA, wanted evidence of
the GOP’s illegal plot to ensure Baugh’s victory by placing a fake
Democrat on the ballot.
When investigators entered Baugh’s home at 7 a.m., they found the
assemblyman had an overnight guest: a handsome youth pastor from a local
church. Baugh denied any romantic relationship with the man, and later
married. A woman. Rumors swirled nevertheless. It didn’t help that one of
Baugh’s closest pals at the time was Jeffrey Nielsen, a Republican
activist/attorney now facing numerous felony charges that he repeatedly
molested a 14-year-old Westminster boy and possessed gay child pornography.
Capizzi’s raid on Baugh’s home sparked an immediate firestorm. Within
hours, Baugh friends Congressman Dana Rohrabacher and Republican businessman
Michael J. Schroeder held a press conference to denounce Capizzi. The DA’s
office wanted to use private sex lives as a weapon in its criminal
investigation of voter fraud, the men told the Weekly. They described
the DA’s tactics as an “un-American . . . home-invasion assault” by
“Gestapo . . . thugs.” Joined by Baugh, they described their own personal
epiphanies: civil libertarians were right to worry about government abuse of
its awesome police powers.
“This is reminiscent of the way Nazis and gangsters act,” said a seething
Rohrabacher, who, with the help of Schroeder and Baugh, began orchestrating
Rackauckas’ successful 1998 campaign to replace Capizzi.
The same alliance backed the next sheriff: Michael S. Carona.
Assemblyman Todd Spitzer
OC
Law Enforcement "Poisoned"
Assemblyman Todd Spitzer takes aim at DA. What about
the sheriff's office? By R. Scott Moxley (Oct. 8, 2004)
Oscar Goodman Mayor Of Las Vegas Nevada. Goodman rumored to having been approached to represent current and future defendants. Including a bail bondsmen and perhaps others. Goodman is considered one of the best practicing criminal trial lawyers around representing alleged high profile mobsters and other criminal defendants. Bail Bondsmen Alejandro de Jesus Cruz has been charged with allegedly operating an illegal kickback scheme involving attorneys, jail inmates and other bail bondsmen. Alejandro De Jesus Cruz, has been missing since October and believed to be in Mexico and/or Florda. There is an outstanding warrant for his arrest. A source has informed the Journal that Goodman may have been contacted by Cruz to try and cut a deal for him with Orange County authorities, where by Cruz would surrender and testify against bigger fish if he could be assured of no jail time. The Journal contacted Mr. Goodman's Law offices a lady identified only as Judy said, " that Mr. Goodman was not practicing law anymore" when pressed office manager Carmen came on the line and said, the same thing and that the reason was "that the mayor can not practice law at the same time he is mayor." It is therefore unlikely that Mr. Cruz or anyone else contacted mayor Goodman. In that regard.
Fired Assistant Sheriff George Jaramillo
the highest ranking Orange County Sheriff ever charged with
corruption.
Former Assistant Sheriff Don Haidl
Don Haidl, Assistant Sheriff of Orange Country, in violation of California's rape shield law, led a smear campaign against the child his son poisoned and then violently gang-raped on videotape, adding up to 24 felony counts. He said that his son "acted accordingly" because the child was a "slut". The full gruesome story, with many newspaper articles.
Sheriff Capt. Christine Murray
Newport Beach Businessman Charles Gabbard has felony
Convictions and gave tainted contributions to Carona's war chest. Gabbard a
convicted felon arrested for murder, several armed robberies, embezzlement and
illegal drug possession) is a star prosecution witness against Jaramillo.
Gabbard’s story involves dirty cops, slick
lobbyists, extortion, murder, state legislation, the unlawful dissemination of
the Haidl gang-rape video, tainted contributions to Sheriff Mike Carona, a
midnight theft tied to a proposed laser device for ending police pursuits and,
I’m not making this up, Shaquille O’Neal.Who
Shot the Sheriff?
Attorney Joseph G. Cavallo
Haidl
attorney Cavallo indicted
Controversial attorney Joseph Cavallo, who defended
Gregory Haidl against sexual-assault charges, has been indicted by the Orange
County grand jury on conspiracy charges involving bail bondsmen. Cavallo said,
“I know the Schroeders had a hand in my indictment, this is the work of ‘The
Triangle’—Mike Carona, Mike Schroeder and Tony Rackauckas
Rick Rizzolo Vegas topless nite club owner
Rizzolo Contribution to Sheriff Carona under probe.
Earlier this month, the Register and the Journal wrote about Rick Rizzolo, owner of the Crazy Horse Too strip club. The club is under federal investigation for racketeering. In 1985, Rizzolo pleaded guilty to attacking a patron with a baseball bat. Carona adviser Mike Schroeder tells us that the sheriff is returning that donation.
The others:
Frank Fertitta Jr. is founder and former chairman of Station Casinos. Federal investigations linked him to a money-skimming operation in 1985, but he was never charged or sanctioned. Nonetheless, Missouri gaming officials in 1992 refused to issue a gambling permit to Station unless the company guaranteed Fertitta would have no part in its management, according to published reports.
Bruce Becker owns Becker Gaming Inc., which donated to the sheriff. In 1995, Becker was charged with 18 misdemeanors for allegedly misleading regulators on an application for his gaming license, according to published reports. The charges were dismissed because the one-year statute of limitations had expired.
Blake Sartini is co-founder and former chief operating officer of Nevada-based Station Casinos. While he was with that business, Station lost its Missouri gambling license after other company executives ignored a subpoena to testify in a corruption probe. Sartini was not called to testify. Station later paid more than $1 million in fines for several offenses, including allowing juveniles to gamble.
Schroeder said that Carona knew none of these contributors and that they apparently had been invited to the same May fundraiser (at the Ritz) by a Carona supporter (Fred Glusman) who knew them.
Former Policemen & Deputy Bud Hood
Deputy Bud Hood was arrested in November of 2000 for
soliciting the services of a prostitute during a sting operation outside a Las
Vegas motel. Hood was one of the first deputies in the Sheriff’s Department
to support Mike Carona in his bid for sheriff and has become a close personal
friend of the sheriff and his family. He was rewarded by being assigned to the
Dignitary Protection detail over the strenuous objections of the supervisor
and other members of the team.
According to his own grand jury testimony, Hood who formerly worked on the sheriff’s auto-theft detail. He
didn’t tell the grand jury he was once arrested during an encounter with a
Las Vegas prostitute. According to grand jury
records Jaramillo frequently gave Hood film to develop. The film
contained nude pictures of dozens of women, including the assistant
sheriff’s wife, sister-in-law, several secretaries and at least one county
employee. Internal
Affairs
 |
Erica Hill
Sex
Bomb
Erica Hill says OC's "Christian conservative"
Sheriff Mike Carona traded sex for favors. By R. Scott Moxley (Sept. 19, 2005)
Porn Star Amanda Friedland
This is a story about a famous LA porn star, a suspicious detective and a frustrated Orange County sheriff.
Dean & Susan Holloway
O.C. Sheriff Is Accused a 2nd Time
State to Probe Sex Assault Allegation Against Sheriff
Lt. William Hunt DA probing into Hunt's campaign donations
The Ritz
Fred Glusman
owns The Ritz in Newport Beach http://www.ritzrestaurant.com and Pieros in Las Vegas. Its rumored that Rick Rizzolo and some of his mobster friends frequent the restaurant and may be have hidden interests in the enterprise.
Patrick N. DiCarlo onetime, self-described mafia suspect
Don Blankenship
Bob Levy,
Lobbyist/fund-raiser, a former U.S. marshal with impressive ties
to law-enforcement political-action committees as well as liberal and
conservative political machines throughout California. In 2000, Sheriff Mike
Carona offers the services of incarcerated inmates under his custody and
control to notorious felon Charlie Gabbard. Lobbyist Mr. Levy wrote a
handwritten memo to Gabbard indicating that Carona had offered the services of
inmates for Gabbard’s personal business use.
Who
Shot the Sheriff?
Irvine Police Dept. officers Denny Jenner and Phil Povey working for
Gabbard plugging his device, they planed to help make millions of dollars
selling the HALT System to police departments across the nation.
Who
Shot the Sheriff?
Jan Jones
Kenny Guinn
Raymond Yi
OC REGISTER: Golfers Feared He`d Put a Hole in One
Bail Bondsmen George Castro has been charged that he allegedly operated an illegal kickback scheme involving attorneys, jail inmates and other bail bondsmen. He pleaded not guilty A judge set a trial-setting hearing for Dec. 2.
Bail Bondsmen Alejandro de Jesus Cruz has also been charged that he allegedly operated an illegal kickback scheme involving attorneys, jail inmates and other bail bondsmen. Alejandro De Jesus Cruz, has been missing since October and believed to be in Mexico. There is an outstanding warrant for his arrest.
Deputy District Attorney Susan Kang Schroeder wife of Michael Schroeder spokesperson for the DA's office.
Former Assistant Sheriff Pete Gannon
DA Investigator Dina Mauger
Former Newport Beach Mayor & Now Judge Steve Bromberg
Judge William Froeberg is the husband of a high-ranking deputy district attorney
Van Schultze
Don Mehr Santa Ana Bail Bondsmen
Un-named Sheriff's Deputies
Yet to be named jail trustees
California Attorney General
FBI
ATTORNEY GENERAL ALBERTO R. GONZALES U.S. Justice Dept.
TIME LINE
3/26/2006
LA
Times: High Noon Is Near for Sheriff Candidates
3/26/2006
OCounty
Register: Carona responds to his doubters
With scandals in the air, the man once dubbed `America`s sheriff` finds
himself on the defense.
3/24/2006
OC
Register: Jaramillo says he has evidence
Fired assistant sheriff holds up documents he says show sheriff misused
helicopter. Jaramillo faces charge of misusing the copter. Assistant DA says
she`ll look at evidence.
3/24/2006
OC
Register: Complaint cites Carona donor
State commission accuses Gabbard of hiding source of $25,000 for sheriff`s
campaign in 2000.
3/22/2006
LA
Times: Carona Donor Broke the Law: Newport firm illegally sent $25,000 from
its investors to the O.C. sheriff`s 2002 campaign, a state commission rules.
3/22/2006
LA
Times: Carona Fails to Gain GOP Vote Support
Orange County party leaders decide not to endorse a third term for the
sheriff. He faces multiple allegations of misconduct.
3/22/2006
OC
Register: Carona denied nod from GOP
The Orange County sheriff falls one vote short of winning the official
Republican Party endorsement for re-election to a third term.
3/21/2006
OC
Register: No GOP endorsement for Sheriff Carona
31-17 vote falls just short of the required two-thirds majority.
3/21/2006
LA
Times: State to Review Sheriff Badge Issue
The attorney general`s office will look at the practice of issuing IDs to
campaign donors and others in several Southland counties.
3/17/2006
OC
Register: Sheriff`s expenses are under review
Attorney general looks into claims that Carona violated campaign-finance law.
3/17/2006
OC
Register: `Voter` to challenge Hunt`s campaign statement in court
Corona`s advisers enlist aid of political acquaintances.
3/17/2006
LA
Times: Words Spark Suit in Sheriff Campaign
In O.C., a supporter of incumbent Carona calls harsh criticism of management
in a rival`s ballot statement illegal.
Feb
18, 2006
OC
Register: April 24 trial date set for O.C. sheriff`s captain
Carona campaign solicitations are crux of the case.
Feb 18, 2006
LA
Times: Trial Ordered in O.C. Sheriff`s Captain`s Case
Jan 12, 2006
POTENTIAL CONFLICTS & SIGNED WAIVE
Jan 6, 2006
Dec 9, 2005
Dec 7, 2005
Dec 7, 2005
Supervisors OK $100,000 for a law firm to assist the department on personnel matters, but Carona says not on matters involving him.
Dec 1, 2005
Sheriff seeks outside legal team
Dec 1, 2005
O.C. Sheriff Candidate Giving Special Favors?
Nov 29, 2005
Carona's colorful cast of campaign contributors
Nov 21, 2005
Nov 18, 2005
Rizzolo/Glusman try to buy a sheriff in Newport Beach
Nov 18, 2005
Shirley Grindle's crusade to get district attorney Tony Rackauckas to simply enforce the law.
Nov 17, 2005
news
- Sheriff's captain says case against her is political
soliciting campaign contributions for Carona,
seeks charges' dismissal. By PEGGY LOWE The Orange County Register
Nov 16, 2005
Nov 15, 2005
Nov 11,2005
Nov 4, 2005
Attorney pleads not guilty to bail-bond kickback charges
Nov 2, 2005
Rizzolo Contribution to Sheriff Carona under probe.
Oct 14, 2005
SEX BRIBES & SCAMS Go To: http://www.ocweekly.com/index.php
Carona posing on four
occasions with Erica Hill,
who told the grand jury
the sheriff sought and received
sex after her husband
applied for a deputy spot.
Oct 12, 2005
Oct 7, 2005
High-profile Defense lawyer Cavallo is indicted JUSTICE DEPT. FBI AND FEDERAL GRAND JURY MAY BE INVESTIGATING THE ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPT AND OTHER COUNTY OFFICIALS
Oct. 6, 2005
Haidl
attorney Cavallo indicted
Controversial attorney Joseph Cavallo, who defended
Gregory Haidl against sexual-assault charges, has been indicted by the Orange
County grand jury on conspiracy charges involving bail bondsmen.
Another day, another jail beating. By R. Scott Moxley (Oct. 6, 2005)
O.C. Sheriff Is Accused a 2nd Time
Sept 29, 2005
A man alleges in a legal claim that Michael Carona sexually harassed his wife. The sheriff denies it, as he did an earlier accusation.
State to Probe Sex Assault Allegation Against Sheriff
Sept 21, 2005
Lawyer
Files Claim Against O.C. Sheriff
Sept 20, 2005
Sex
Bomb
Erica Hill says OC's "Christian conservative"
Sheriff Mike Carona traded sex for favors. By R. Scott Moxley (Sept. 19, 2005)
Hill
Case Demands Scrutiny, Answers
Sept 18, 2005
9/7/2005
OC
REGISTER: Campaign charges filed
Sheriff`s Capt. Christine Murray is accused of illegally asking colleagues for
contributions to Sheriff Mike Carona`s re-election bid. She denies wrongdoing.
8/13/2005
LA
TIMES: Another O.C. Assistant Sheriff to Step Down
8/13/2005
OC
REGISTER: Carona to lose another aide
Assistant Doug Storm`s retirement leaves 3 top spots open in
Sheriff`sDepartment.
July 23, 2005
Abu
Ghraib Comes Home
Judges okay torture in OC jails. By R. Scott Moxley (August
12, 2005)
One
Good Bribery Charge Deserves Another
After grand jury indicts Jaramillo, ex-top cop accuses DA of
similar crime. By R. Scott Moxley (July 25, 2005)
New
Charges, Same Target
Orange County's sheriff Mike Carona's ex-No. 2 George
Jaramillo faces new felony corruption charges. By R. Scott Moxley (July 14,
2005)
Internal
Affairs
Orange County's sheriff and his top deputy planned a dynasty
but sex and money got in the way. By R. Scott Moxley (May 25, 2005)
SEX!
Now that the OC Republican Party has your attention, here's
our story about sex inside the Sheriff's Department. By R. Scott Moxley (April
29, 2005)
Carona
Cover-up?
Sealed records show sheriff's complicity in scandal. By R.
Scott Moxley (April 22, 2005)
Who
Shot the Sheriff?
Star witness against ex-assistant sheriff Jaramillo is
tanking, evidence reveals mischief by Sheriff Carona. By R. Scott Moxley (April
15, 2005)
Sheriff
Con
New evidence shows Sheriff Mike Carona lied about his
complicity in pot-bust scandal. By R. Scott Moxley (Feb. 25, 2005)
Sheriff
Con II
Sheriff Mike Carona tries to dispute evidence he knew
of pot-bust cover-up. By R. Scott Moxley (Feb. 25, 2005)
OC
Law Enforcement "Poisoned"
Assemblyman Todd Spitzer takes aim at DA. What about
the sheriff's office? By R. Scott Moxley (Oct. 8, 2004)
Conflicting
Conflicts
In the Sheriff's Department scandal, everyone's
willing to look no higher than Mike Carona's No. 2. By R. Scott Moxley (Oct. 1,
2004)
Jaramillo
Busted
Sheriff Mike Carona claims he did not know what his
No. 2 was up to. By R. Scott Moxley (Oct. 1, 2004)
To
Protect and Swerve
Strangely missing from Sheriff Mike Carona's hero list
is one name: Joseph William Balicki. By R. Scott Moxley (April 9, 2004)