LOS ANGELES (CNS) - A jury was sworn in today to hear the criminal case against the former mayor of Bell and five ex-City Council members, all of whom are charged with misappropriating public funds by collecting exorbitant salaries.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Kathleen Kennedy ordered the 12 jurors - along with six alternates -- to return to court Thursday morning for opening statements in the trial of former Mayor Oscar Hernandez and former council members Teresa Jacobo, George Mirabal, Luis Artiga, George Cole and Victor Bello.
The defendants are each facing multiple counts -- some as many as 20 -- of misappropriating city funds through their work on various city agencies, including the Community Housing Authority, Public Financing Authority and Solid Waste and Recycling Authority.
The prosecution contends that the defendants paid themselves thousands of dollars for attending meetings that sometimes lasted only a matter of minutes, adding up to annual pay of nearly $100,000 in a city of roughly 35,000 residents.
Defense attorneys contend the former mayor and council members spent significant time working on city issues
Cole's attorney has said his client plans to testify in his own defense during the trial.
Former City Administrator Robert Rizzo and his then-assistant, Angela Spaccia, are awaiting trial in a separate corruption case. More than 50 counts of fraud have been filed against against Rizzo, seen as the ringleader of the alleged effort to loot the city's treasury by paying bloated salaries to himself and other officials and arranging illicit loans of taxpayer money.
Certain projects, such as adding a well thought-out family room can be a wise investment, as they do add to the value of the home. Other projects, however, allow little opportunity to recover the costs when it's time to sell.
Certain projects, such as adding a well thought-out family room can be a wise investment, as they do add to the value of the home. Other projects, however, allow little opportunity to recover the costs when it's time to sell.
People who follow the ancient practice of yoga may be getting an added health boost, with a new study suggesting it can fight high blood pressure -- also known as hypertension.
People who follow the ancient practice of yoga may be getting an added health boost, with a new study suggesting it can fight high blood pressure -- also known as hypertension.
The California Public Utilities Commission has reached a proposed $37 million settlement with Southern California Edison over the October 2007 Malibu Canyon Fire.
The California Public Utilities Commission has reached a proposed $37 million settlement with Southern California Edison over the October 2007 Malibu Canyon Fire.
Monday, May 20 2013 1:33 PM EDT2013-05-20 17:33:25 GMT
A big rig carrying about 35,000 pounds of grapes crashed through the center divider of the eastbound Foothill (210) Freeway in Monrovia today.
A big rig carrying about 35,000 pounds of grapes crashed through the center divider of the eastbound Foothill (210) Freeway in Monrovia today, blocking some lanes but resulting in no injuries, the California Highway Patrol reported.
Monday, May 20 2013 10:51 AM EDT2013-05-20 14:51:01 GMT
Los Angeles World Airports plans to name the grand new central hall of the LAX international terminal the "Antonio R. Villaraigosa Pavilion," it was reported today.
Los Angeles World Airports plans to name the grand new central hall of the LAX international terminal the "Antonio R. Villaraigosa Pavilion," it was reported today.
Saturday, May 18 2013 3:40 AM EDT2013-05-18 07:40:51 GMT
Maribel Ramos, 36, was last seen on surveillance video dropping off her rent check about 8:30 p.m. May 2 in Orange. Roomate has been arrested for her murder.
Maribel Ramos, 36, was last seen on surveillance video dropping off her rent check about 8:30 p.m. May 2 in Orange. Roomate has been arrested for her murder.
