Archive for the ‘ Mike Ramos ’ Category

InlandPolitics: Supreme Court: Final brief filed in Colonies appeal

Scales of Justice

Friday, May 10, 2013 – 09:00 a.m.

In a strange turn of events, state prosecutors now say it’s no longer necessary for the California Supreme Court to throw out two long standing case law precedents, and more than a dozen underlying appellate opinions, in order to reinstate key bribery and conflict of interest charges against defendants in the well-publicized case involving the 2006 Colonies Settlement.

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The PE: CORRUPTION: Task force increasingly visible in local investigations

Mike Ramos

“It just makes a bigger statement to the world that politics has nothing to do with doing what’s right and holding these people responsible,” Ramos said. “It takes the wind out of the sails of these people that claim this is a political investigation.”

May 04, 2013; 05:24 PM

Law enforcement officials first announced the formation of a task force focused on political corruption in November 2010, when FBI agents and San Bernardino County district attorney’s investigators raided Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton.

To read story by Imran Ghori in The Press Enterprise, click here.

Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 05/04/2013 06:22:53 PM PDT

In 2010, San Bernardino County District Attorney Michael Ramos announced the formation of the Inland Empire Joint Corruption Task Force, prompted by allegations of rampant corruption in local government. His announcement followed an FBI raid at the county-run Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, where it was alleged that some public officials had been receiving free medical care.

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The Sun: Still no trial date for ‘voluminous’ charter school case

Scales of Justice

California Charter Academy
By Beau Yarbrough
Posted: 04/26/2013 04:57:27 PM PDT

RANCHO CUCAMONGA — The two men who allegedly misappropriated $5.5 million in taxpayer funds meant for California charter schools may be inching toward a trial date, five and a half years after they were indicted.

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question-mark

By Mark Gutglueck
sbcsentinel@yahoo.com
Republished from Friday, April 19, 2013

(April 19) The California Attorney General and San Bernardino County District Attorney have overstepped their prosecutorial authority and are engaging in “an impermissible charging scheme” in the pursuit of a bribery and conspiracy case against Rancho Cucamonga developer Jeff Burum and three former public officials, according to a defense brief filed with the Supreme Court on April 15.

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The Sun: High court receives defense motions in Colonies corruption case

California Supreme Court

Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 04/19/2013 11:31:16 PM PDT

A defense attorney, in a motion filed with the state Supreme Court, alleges that state and San Bernardino County prosecutors are asking the high court to overturn a century of established case law and reinstate bribery charges against Rancho Cucamonga developer Jeff Burum.

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InlandPolitics: Debt Collectors Masquerade as Local DAs with Their Blessing

By William Cutting
Friday, April 19, 2013 – 07:30 p.m.

I stumbled upon this story over at MousePrint.org and thought our readers over here at Inland Politics might have an interest in it.

According to this blog posting, District Attorney offices across the nation are allowing debt collectors to use District Attorney stationary to go after bad check writers.  Presumably, the DA’s office receives a cut of some kind, be it a slice of the collected funds or perhaps a licensing fee to use the stationary.

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SBCO Seal

By Joe Nelson
joe.nelson@ inlandnewspapers.com @SBCountyNow on Twitter
Posted: 04/18/2013 07:35:56 PM PDT

The president of the union representing San Bernardino County’s prosecutors, deputy public defenders and child support attorneys has threatened a strike if the county continues imposing concessions he said are not on par with other counties.

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InlandPolitics: Another San Bernardino County task force? Really!!

Batman and Robin
San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos says he wants to form a special unit to handle crimes against peace officers.

Thursday, April 18, 2013 – 09:30 a.m.

Another unfunded special unit being created by San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos?

Looks like it.

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Jeff Burum

Developer Jeff Burum during a break in an August 2011 court appearance in San Bernardino County Superior Court.(Stam Lim/Staff Photographer)

April 17, 2013; 04:08 PM

A defense attorney accused prosecutors of attempting to “radically change” state bribery law in its California Supreme Court petition to restore charges against Rancho Cucamonga developer Jeff Burum.

To read story by Imran Ghori in The Press Enterprise, click here.

InlandPolitics: Wrongfully charged man to appear on KTIE-AM 590

Microphone

Wednesday, April 17, 2013 – 12:oo a.m.

A democratic political activist and former staffer of Former U.S. Representative Joe Baca, who was wrongfully charged by San Bernardino County District Attorney Michael Ramos, will appear, with his lawyer, on KTIE-AM 590 Wednesday evening.

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Scales of Justice

Tuesday, April 16, 2013 – 04:30 p.m.

The defense in the highly-publicized Colonies case accuses the State Attorney General and San Bernardino County District Attorney of using an “novel charging scheme” to bring its case against Rancho Cucamonga Developer Jeffrey Burum, Former Assistant Assessor Jim Erwin, Former County Supervisor Paul Biane and Mark Kirk, former chief of staff to Supervisor Gary Ovitt.

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InlandPolitics: DA advisor entangled in second political prosecution

knife in back

Wednesday, April 10, 2013 – 09:30 a.m.

The political advisor to San Bernardino County District Attorney Micheal Ramos has found himself in the middle of a second politically-motivated and malicious prosecution by his client.

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InlandPolitics: Is there a problem with SBIA corruption case?

question-mark

Friday, April 5, 2013 – 09:30 a.m.

When the San Bernadino County District Attorney announced charges against former San Bernardino International Airport (SBIA) Project Manager Scot Spencer, and an associate, last week I asked myself two questions.

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Sam Clauder

Samuel Hershel Clauder ll, a former spokesman and finance chairman for the San Bernardino County Democratic Center Committee. (LaFonzo Carter/Staff Photographer)

Child porn possession case was dismissed after evidence pointed to Clauder’s son
By Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 04/03/2013 11:07:16 AM PDT

Related story: San Bernardino political activist vindicated on child porn charge, record ordered destroyed

View: Sheriff’s report

A political watchdog and former aide to Rep. Joe Baca, charged in 2009 with felony possession of child pornography but whose case was dismissed due to insufficient evidence, has filed a $7.5 million claim against the county.

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InlandPolitics: New Supreme Court ruling to impact Colonies case

California Supreme Court

Wednesday, March 27, 2013 – 04:00 p.m.
Last Modified: Wednesday, March 27, 2013 – 10:15 p.m.

The California Supreme Court rendered a ruling Wednesday afternoon that will impact the highly-publicized Colonies criminal case.

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InlandPolitics: Is San Bernardino County DA behind the eight ball?

Eight Ball

Tuesday, March 26, 2013 – 10:30 a.m.
Last Modified: Wednesday, March 27, 2013 – 09:15 a.m.

Is San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos finally behind the eight ball?

Could a chain of events finally be in-play that has many local politicos, movers and shakers, and campaign contributors cringing?

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Handcuffs

Andrew Edwards, Ryan Hagen and Joe Nelson, Staff Witers
Posted: 03/25/2013 08:59:57 AM PDT

Bios: Scot Spencer | Felice Luciano
Photo Gallery: D.A. files charges against Scot Spencer
View: Criminal complaint | Statement from 5th District Supervisor Josie Gonzales | 2010-11 Grand Jury report
Timeline: SBIA and Scot Spencer
Related stories: Grand Jury questions management practices at SBIA

Scot Spencer, the former airline executive and convicted felon who was nonetheless entrusted with leading the development of San Bernardino International Airport, faces five years in prison after being charged with an alleged associate with conspiring to steal more than $1 million in public funds.

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March 25, 2013; 09:25 AM

A long-running investigation into business dealings at the San Bernardino International Airport Authority resulted in criminal charges and the arrest of former airport developer Scot Spencer, District Attorney Michael Ramos announced Monday, March 25.

To read story by Iman Ghori in The Press Enterprise, click here.

Mike Ramos

San Bernardino District Attorney Mike Ramos is set to hold another press conference. This time to announce “an” arrest, related to the San Bernardino International Airport Authority, at 11:00 a.m. Monday.

Monday, March 25, 2013 – 09:30 a.m.
Last Modified; Monday March 25, 2013 – 10:45 a.m.

Well, here comes another sure-to-be-touted press conference from San Bernardino County District Attorney Michael Ramos.

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InlandPolitics: Prosecutors want Colonies case on ice

California Supreme Court

Thursday, March 21, 2013 – 10:00 a.m.
Last Modified: Friday, March 22, 2013 – 09:30 a.m.

The California Attorney General and San Bernardino County District Attorney has filed papers with the State Supreme Court opposing parts of the highly-publicized Colonies criminal case from moving forward.

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InlandPolitics: Judge dismisses conviction of former supervisor

Neil Derry

Derry

Wednesday, March 20, 2013 – 03:00 p.m.

A San Bernardino County Superior Court Judge set aside a misdemeanor conviction of a former county supervisor Wednesday morning.

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InlandPolitics: Supreme Court: Opening brief filed in Colonies appeal

California Supreme Court

Sunday, March 17, 2013 – 12:30 p.m.

The California Attorney General has filed its Opening Brief on the Merits in its appeal of the dismissal of key charges in the well-published criminal case stemming from the $102 million settlement between San Bernardino County and Colonies Partners L.P. in 2006, some six and one-half years ago.

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The PE: SAN BERNARDINO: Prosecutors argue against ‘free pass’

Colonies

From left, developer Jeff Burum, Mark Kirk, former chief of staff to San Bernardino County Supervisor Gary Ovitt, former assistant assessor Jim Erwin and former supervisor Paul Biane in a 2011 court appearance. (David Bauman/The Press-Enterprise)

By Imran Ghori
March 15, 2013; 05:23 PM

A Rancho Cucamonga developer accused of bribing San Bernardino County officials will essentially get a “free pass” if prosecutors are not allowed to restore charges dismissed by a lower court judge, the state Attorney General’s office argued in a brief filed with the California Supreme Court this week.

To read story by Imran Ghori in The Press Enterprise, click here.

InlandPolitics: Colonies defendants want day in court

Scales of Justice

Friday, March 8, 2013 – 08:55 a.m.

Defense attorneys for Developer Jeffrey Burum filed a motion in the California Supreme Court on Wednesday, in an effort to move forward the criminal case involving the controversial $102 million settlement between the County of San Bernardino and Colonies Partners, L.P.

Read the rest of this entry »

Scales of Justice

Pair named in indictment which was filed more than five years ago
By Beau Yarbrough, Staff Writer
Posted: 02/22/2013 11:26:23 AM PST
Updated: 02/22/2013 11:42:01 AM PST

RANCHO CUCAMONGA – There’s still no trial date scheduled for the two men accused of misappropriating $5.5 million in taxpayer funds meant for California charter schools.

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InlandPolitics: California Supreme Court grants review in Colonies case

California Supreme Court

Wednesday, February 13, 2013 – 05:00 p.m.

The California Supreme Court has granted a petition for review, filed by state prosecutors, of a 2012 Fourth District Court of Appeal ruling, which affirmed the dismissal of core charges in the highly-publicized Colonies corruption case.

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InlandPolitics: Did Ramos screw up his plan? Whatever that is!

question-mark

Friday, February 1, 2013 – 08:15 a.m.

San Bernardino County District Attorney Michael A. Ramos obviously has another political agenda. It’s just unclear as to what it is at this point.

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Mike Ramos

Andrew Edwards, Staff Writer
Posted: 01/30/2013 08:39:47 AM PST
Updated: 01/30/2013 10:28:07 PM PST

San Bernardino County District Attorney Michael Ramos sent a hand-delivered letter to House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., asking that pending immigration reforms include provisions allowing immigrants’ DNA samples to be cross-checked against the FBI’s database in order to prevent criminals from obtaining U.S. citizenship.

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InlandPolitics: San Bernardino County: Cultural problems plague Sheriff’s Department

SBCO Sheriff Badge

Friday, January 25, 2013 – 10:00 a.m.

Another embarrassing incident for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

Another Deputy alleged to have had sex with a inmate. This time at the Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center in Devore. The incident follows a similar event made public just a week or so before.

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The PE: POLITICAL EMPIRE: Jeffries enjoying new gig as supervisor

Campaigns

January 13, 2013; 08:18 PM

Kevin Jeffries is still settling into being a Riverside County supervisor. But he’s already enjoying it.

To read column by Jeff Horseman and Imran Ghori in The Press Enterprise, click here.

InlandPolitics: Legal briefs shed glimmer of light on Colonies case

Scales of Justice

Monday, December 31, 2012 – 12:15 p.m.
Last Modified: Tuesday, January 1, 2013 – 12:20 p.m.

The highly-publicized Colonies case continues to grind its way through a series of prosecutorial roadblocks this new year.

The final brief in a last minute appeal by prosecutors to the California Supreme Court was filed just before the Christmas holiday.

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The PE: S.B. COUNTY: Corruption, bankruptcy cases to continue

 Biane+Burum+Erwin+Kirk

Former San Bernardino County Supervisor Paul,Biane, left, Jim former Assistant Assessor Jim Erwin, developer Jeff Burum, Mark Kirk, former chief of staff to Supervisor Gary Ovitt during a San Bernardino Superior Court hearing in July 2011. The county corruption case will continue winding its way through court in 2013.

FROM STAFF REPORTS
December 28, 2012; 03:41 PM

COUNTY CORRUPTION

A San Bernardino County corruption case that prosecutors call the most far-reaching in county history will keep making its way through the courts in 2013, though it is not known when it will go to trial.

To read story in The Press Enterprise, click here.

Scales of Justice

Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 12/24/2012 06:06:49 PM PST

Prosecutors and defense attorneys are awaiting a decision by the state Supreme Court that will ultimately determine the trajectory of a San Bernardino County corruption case authorities have called the biggest in county history.

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InlandPolitics: What ever is Mr. Winuk inferring?

fppc logo

Thursday, December 20, 2012 – 09:00 a.m.

Another inference directed at past events in San Bernardino County courtesy of a comment coming out of the California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC).

The second of its kind.

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InlandPolitics: Opposition to Supreme Court Petition in Colonies case

Scales of Justice

Wednesday, December 19, 2012 – 08:15 a.m.

To read the Answer to Supreme Court Petition filed in the highly-publicized Colonies case, click here: Answer to Petition for Review

scales-of-justice

Ryan Hagen, Staff Writer
Posted: 12/18/2012 06:58:22 PM PST

Prosecutors’ attempt to have the California Supreme Court review a decision in a sweeping San Bernardino County corruption case is baseless and should be rejected for several reasons, the attorney for a Rancho Cucamonga land developer charged in that case said in court papers filed Tuesday.

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Scales of Justice

Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 12/14/2012 07:06:15 PM PST

The attorney for a Rancho Cucamonga land developer charged in a sweeping San Bernardino County corruption case said Friday he will oppose a push by prosecutors to have the state Supreme Court reinstate bribery charges against his client.

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LATimes: Political ethics panel accuses brothers of money laundering

fppc logo

Administrator’s Note: Former San Bernardino County Third District Supervisor Neil Derry must be shaking his head at this one. He was criminally prosecuted for a $5,000 contribution. In this $40,000 affair, the Fair Political Practices Commission is handling the entire matter. The elements missing from this equation? San Bernardino County District Attorney Michael Ramos and Former Senior Assistant Attorney General Gary Schons. Ramos and Schons, who now works for the San Diego County District Attorney after backing Steve Cooley for AG, reportedly became good drinking buddies.

By Patrick McGreevy, Los Angeles Times
December 14, 2012

SACRAMENTO — State authorities have accused two brothers who served together as Republican legislators of illegally laundering $40,000 in political donations.

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The Sun: Colonies corruption case goes to state Supreme Court for consideration

Scales of Justice

Joe Nelson and Ryan Hagen, Staff Writers
Posted: 12/11/2012 03:03:54 PM PST

View: Petition for Review

Prosecutors with the state Attorney General’s Office have petitioned the state Supreme Court to reinstate bribery charges against a prominent Rancho Cucamonga developer in a sweeping San Bernardino County corruption caseinvolving three former county officials.

Read the rest of this entry »

Colonies

(6/10/2011, San Bernardino) METRO From left, developer Jeff Burum, Mark Kirk, former chief of staff to Supervisor Gary Ovitt. former assistant assessor Jim Erwin and former supervisor Paul Biane appear in San Bernardino County Superior Court in June 2011. (David Bauman/The Press-Enterprise) David Bauman/The Press-Enterprise

December 11, 2012; 05:25 PM

The Colonies corruption case involving former San Bernardino County officials could be heading to the California Supreme Court.

To read story by Imran Ghori in The Press Enterprise, click here.

The Sun: San Bernardino County corruption case moves forward

Prosecutors talk to Judge Michael Smith during a pretrial hearing on the Colonies case Friday in San Bernardino Superior Court, in San Bernardino. (Lafonzo Carter/Staff Photographer)

Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 11/02/2012 12:21:25 PM PDT

A law enforcement labor union’s political mailer featuring the mugshot of Rancho Cucamonga developer Jeff Burum, a defendant in a sweeping county corruption scandal, could taint the jury pool, Burum’s attorney told a San Bernardino Superior Court judge on Friday.

Read the rest of this entry »

Published: 02 November 2012 – 05:15 PM

The Colonies corruption case is moving forward again after an appeals court ruling earlier this week that dismissed some charges and reinstated others.

To read story by Imran Ghori in The Press Enterprise, click here.

The Sun: Colonies’ prosecutors unsure if they’ll appeal to state Supreme Court

Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 11/01/2012 07:54:23 PM PDT

A spokesman for the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office said Thursday that prosecutors have not decided if they will continue fighting to reinstate bribery charges against a Rancho Cucamonga developer to the state Supreme Court.

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The Sun: Burum wins in appeals court

By Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
November 1, 2012
Printed version

The state 4th District Court of Appeal in Riverside on Wednesday rejected a request by prosecutors to reinstate bribery charges against a Rancho Cucamonga developer that were dropped by a San Bernardino Superior Court judge last year.

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Mark Kirk, former chief of staff to Supervisor Gary Ovitt, former San Bernardino County Supervisor Paul Biane; businessman Jeff Burum and former Assistant Assessor Jim Erwin, left to right, stand before Judge Brian McCarville in August, 2011 (Kurt Miller/Staff Photographer)

Published: 31 October 2012 – 04:41 PM

A long-awaited appellate court decision has been reached in the so-called Colonies corruption case in San Bernardino County. In the mixed ruling issued Wednesday, Oct. 31, it appeared the defendants largely prevailed in efforts to sustain a judge’s dismissal of some charges against them.

To read story by Richard K. De Atley and Imran Ghori in The Press Enterprise, click here.

The Sun: Op-Ed: Ramos turned tax-free dollars into political empire

Ramos

Admin Note: To some surprise this opinion editorial was published in the Monday edition of The Sun newspaper. The author has released his work to InlandPolitics.

John Berry
Monday, October 29, 2012

Few stories, in my 20 years as a newspaper reporter, ever electrified readers more than one I wrote for The Press-Enterprise in 2008 when a pair of San Manuel Band of Mission Indians got house arrest for crimes that would have sent anyone else to prison.

Read the rest of this entry »

Quincey

By Sandra Emerson, Staff Writer
Posted: 10/25/2012 11:43:51 AM PDT
Updated: 10/25/2012 06:18:05 PM PDT

UPLAND – Before filing criminal charges last week, investigators with the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office interviewed officials about former City Manager Robb Quincey’s statements during an arbitration hearing with the city and a settlement he made with a police sergeant. Quincey, 52 of Upland, has been charged with three felonies including, misappropriation of public funds, gaining personal interest from an official contract and perjury.

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DailyBulletin: Former Upland City Manager Robb Quincey charged with felonies

Quincey

By Sandra Emerson, Staff Writer
Posted: 10/19/2012 12:29:42 PM PDT
Updated: 10/19/2012 07:33:05 PM PDT

UPLAND – The former Upland city manager faces felony corruption charges filed Friday by the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office.

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The Sun: Appellate court panel hears arguments in Colonies corruption case

Colonies case defendants Mark Kirk, Paul Biane, Jeff Burum, and Jim Erwin, appear in San Bernardino Superior Court on August 19, 2011. (File Photo)

Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 10/02/2012 11:12:45 AM PDT

Related stories: Appellate Court sets date for oral arguments in Colonies case | Appellate court reaches tentative decision in Colonies case | State appeals court court could have major impact on Colonies case | Judge dismisses most felony counts against Burum; all four Colonies defendants enter not guilty pleas

The final decision by the state 4th District Court of Appeal in Riverside will determine the trajectory of the criminal case in the county being tried by the state Attorney General and District Attorney’s offices. The case has been suspended for the last year awaiting the appellate court’s ruling.

Read the rest of this entry »

From left, developer Jeff Burum, Mark Kirk, former chief of staff to Supervisor Gary Ovitt. former assistant assessor Jim Erwin and former supervisor Paul Biane in a San Bernardino County Superior Court appearance in June 2011.(David Bauman/The Press-Enterprise)

BY IMRAN GHORI

Published: 02 October 2012 04:18 PM
A Text Size

A panel of state appeals court judges debated a San Bernardino County corruption case Tuesday, Oct. 2, giving attorneys a chance to make their final arguments before the court issues a decision that will likely determine how the case proceeds.

To read story by Imran Ghori in The Press Enterprise, click here.

The Sun: Appellate Court sets date for oral arguments in Colonies case

By Joe Nelson, The (San Bernardino County) Sun
Posted: 08/30/2012 12:41:30 PM PDT

The state 4th District Court of Appeal in Riverside has set a date to hear oral arguments from prosecutors and defense attorneys in a far-reaching bribery and conspiracy case in San Bernardino County.

Read the rest of this entry »

The PE: POLITICAL EMPIRE: Cross-party endorsements aid Inland candidates

THE PRESS-ENTERPRISE

Published: 17 August 2012 – 06:51 PM

California’s new top two primary system has yielded a couple of intra-party congressional contests in San Bernardino County, and with them, a unique opportunity to seek backing from unlikely places.

To read column by Ben Goad, Jim Miller, Jeff Horseman and Kim Pereceall in the Press-Enterprise, click here.

InlandPolitics: An example of a county justice system gone wrong

Tuesday, August 14, 2012 – 10:30 a.m.

It’s not often when you can witness a justice system being abused.

Abused in plain sight for that matter!

But, in San Bernardino County, a place that operates more like a banana republic than a state subdivision, it’s routine.

Read the rest of this entry »

InlandPolitics: It’s time Feds takeover San Bernardino matter

Friday, July 13, 2012 – 10:45 a.m.

It took less than forty-eight hours for the San Bernardino financial collapse to become a political football for those in county government who love to grandstand.

We’re gonna investigate! Yes sir we are!

As a matter of fact, we already have an ongoing investigation!

Read the rest of this entry »

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department announced Thursday, July 12, that it is looking into allegation of criminal activity in San Bernardino city government./FILE PHOTO

 

BY JOHN ASBURY, CASSIE MacDUFF AND JEFF HORSEMAN
STAFF WRITERS
jasbury@pe.com | cmacduff@pe.com | jhorseman@pe.com

Published: 12 July 2012 06:07 PM

Authorities have announced an ongoing criminal investigation into San Bernardino city government, but Sheriff Rod Hoops said he believes it is unrelated to allegations made by the city attorney in the wake of the city’s bankruptcy decision about falsified financial documents.

A sheriff’s news release issued Thursday evening, July 12, stated: “Several months ago at the request of San Bernardino City officials, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, along with the San Bernardino Police Department and the District Attorney’s Office, began an investigation related to allegations of possible criminal activity within departments of the San Bernardino city government.

Read the rest of this entry »

Ryan Hagen
Posted: 07/12/2012 06:05:50 PM PDT

SAN BERNARDINO – Three law enforcement agencies are reviewing allegations of wrongdoing related to city finances, a San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department spokeswoman said Thursday, just two days after city leaders announced they would file for bankruptcy protection.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, District Attorney’s Office and the San Bernardino Police Department are collaborating on the investigation, authorities said Thursday.

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The PE: POLITICAL EMPIRE: Supervisor hopefuls in a playground spat

THE PRESS-ENTERPRISE

Published: 22 June 2012 04:50 PM

A planned park in Wildomar has become a political battlefield in the race for the First District Riverside County supervisor seat.

The field in question is adjacent to Ronald Reagan Elementary School. In making the case for why voters in the southern end of the district aren’t satisfied with incumbent Bob Buster, Wildomar Mayor Ben Benoit cited the playground as an example of an unkept promise by the supervisor.

Read the rest of this entry »

DailyBulletin: Evidence issue in Colonies’ case winding down

By Joe Nelson, The (San Bernardino County) Sun
Created: 05/24/2012 10:56:14 AM PDT

The attorney for Rancho Cucamonga developer Jeff Burum, accused of bribing public officials in a sweeping San Bernardino County corruption case, said Thursday that his push to obtain additional evidence from prosecutors is winding down.

Read the rest of this entry »

James Ramos, former chairman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, with San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos, Wednesday evening at a campaign fundraiser at the National Orange Show Events Center in San Bernardino, Calif., May 2, 2012. (Redlands-Loma Linda Patch photo by Guy McCarthy.)

By Guy McCarthy
May 2, 2012

The campaign for James Ramos, candidate for county supervisor in the Third District that includes Redlands and Loma Linda, released part of a letter Wednesday from the Fair Political Practices Commission stating his disclosure of economic interests are appropriate.

Read the rest of this entry »

The Sun: San Bernardino County judge lifts bail for Colonies’ defendants

Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 04/20/2012 12:11:17 PM PDT

A San Bernardino Superior Court judge on Friday lifted bail for four defendants in the Colonies Partners corruption scandal, freeing them from having to pay an annual bond premium as the one-year anniversary of their arrest nears.

Read the rest of this entry »

BY IMRAN GHORI
STAFF WRITER
ighori@pe.com

Published: 20 April 2012 11:42 AM

A San Bernardino County Superior Court judge agreed Friday to lift bail for three former county officials and a developer facing corruption charges.

Judge Michael Smith agreed to allow the four men to remain free on their own recognizance as the case continues to remain in the pre-trial stage almost a year after the defendants were indicted.

Read the rest of this entry »

The PE: SB COUNTY: Defense says it’s a ‘cat and mouse’ game in Colonies case

BY RICHARD K. De ATLEY
STAFF WRITER
rdeatley@pe.com

Published: 16 March 2012 08:03 PM

Attorneys for Colonies case figure Jeffrey Burum have filed a motion that seeks to force prosecutors to hand over all material that could include evidence helpful to Burum in his defense.

The motion is necessary, defense attorney Stephen G. Larson said in the document, because he believes there is evidence that the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s office has not been handing over all such material in a timely way to the defense, despite several requests to do so.

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The Sun: Postmus remarks to feds raises questions

Postmus

By Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 03/10/2012 03:03:31 PM PST

An admission by former San Bernardino County Assessor Bill Postmus to federal authorities that he used methamphetamine dozens of times in 2011 has a defense attorney in a far-reaching county corruption case questioning the tactics of prosecutors.

The admission came during an Oct. 14 interview with assistant U.S. attorneys Jerry Behnke and Joseph Widman and FBI agent Jonathan Zeitlin, when Postmus told the trio what he knew about an alleged corruption scandal state and local prosecutors are calling the biggest in county history.

Read the rest of this entry »

InlandPoltics: Burning through money, Ramos trying to tap non-gambling sources

May I have some more please sir?

Friday, February 24, 2012 – 05:30 p.m.

San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors candidate and San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Chairman James Ramos, a man burning through a hefty war-chest at a record clip, appears to be trying to tap non-gambling sources.

Read the rest of this entry »

The Sun: OpEd: Derry’s accusations have no merit

By Benjamin Gonzales, Retired Deputy District Attorney
(Friend of DA Mike Ramos)
Posted: 02/16/2012 03:18:59 PM PST

I served as chief deputy district attorney for the District Attorney’s Office Central Division between October 2006 and June 2009. The city of San Bernardino and the San Manuel Indian Reservation were within my area of responsibility, as was overseeing the DA’s Central Gang Unit. In this capacity I was very familiar with the investigation into problems relating to gang presence at San Manuel and the “killer for hire” case alluded to by county Supervisor Neil Derry (“Crime ties are a serious issue,” Feb. 10).

Read the rest of this entry »

Sunday, February 12, 2012 – 01:00 p.m.

It’s said that money makes a difference in how you are treated in our criminal justice system.

A saying that’s absolutely true. Especially if your a member of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

Read the rest of this entry »

The PE: S.B. COUNTY: Attorneys haggle over Colonies evidence

BY IMRAN GHORI
STAFF WRITER
ighori@pe.com

Published: 10 February 2012 07:59 PM

Prosecutors and defense attorneys in the Colonies corruption case continued to haggle over evidence in San Bernardino County Superior Court Friday, with both sides saying they are continuing to make progress in turning over documents as part of the discovery process.

Read the rest of this entry »

InlandPolitics: DA gives another San Manuel tribal member and convicted felon a pass

Administrator’s note: This article will be updated with a more detailed version on Sunday morning.

Thursday, February 9, 2012 – 10:45 a.m.

It’s said that money makes a difference in how you are treated in our criminal justice system.

A saying that’s absolutely true. Especially if your a member of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

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InlandPolitics: Another San Manuel Tribal member quietly let off hook last July

Wednesday, February 8, 2012 – 10:00 a.m.

So much for equal treatment under the law.

Especially when there’s money involved.

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The PE: S.B. COUNTY: Pension ballot measure draws opposition

Supervisor Josie Gonzales

BY IMRAN GHORI
STAFF WRITER
ighori@pe.com

Published: 24 January 2012 07:08 PM

San Bernardino County supervisors moved forward Tuesday with a proposal to require voter approval of future pension increases but face opposition from employee unions who quickly announced plans for a competing measure aimed at supervisors.

The board agreed to have county staff draft a ballot measure requiring voter approval before retirement benefits for county employees, legislative officers and elected officials could be increased. But final approval is not assured with supervisors split 3-2 on whether to consider the proposal.

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The Sun: San Bernardino County Supervisors proposing more benefits cuts

By Joe Nelson, The (San Bernardino County) Sun
Posted: 01/23/2012 03:05:32 PM PST

Two San Bernardino County supervisors are requesting that benefits for all county elected officials, not just the Board of Supervisors, be reduced to be in line with elected officials in other counties.

Supervisors Neil Derry and Janice Rutherford are pushing for the ordinance, which comes less than two weeks after the board approved a similar ordinance that reduced total compensation for future supervisors by roughly $48,000 annually.

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InlandPolitics: Ellis orchestrated anti-recall effort fails

Monday, January 23, 2012 – 09:30 a.m.

An anti-recall effort meant to protect certain members of the Fullerton city council flopped last week when recall backers turned in an overwhelming number of signatures to qualify a recall ballot.

The city council targets?

  • Don Bankhead: 17,064 signatures
  • F. Richard “Dick” Jones: 17,587 signatures
  • Patrick McKinley: 17,603 signatures

Of interest is news that the anti-recall effort was mounted by a figure familiar to San Bernardino County political circles.

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InlandPolitics: Feds clear Derry to resume voting

Derry

Saturday, January 21, 2012 – 06:15 p.m.

The highway funding arm of the U.S. Department of Transportation has cleared San Bernardino County Third District Supervisor Neil Derry to resume voting on federally-funded expenditures in his duties as an elected official.

The Federal Highway Administration gave Derry the green light effective Friday.

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The PE: S.B. COUNTY: Officials’ benefits debated

San Bernardino County Auditor/Controller/Treasurer-Tax Collector Larry Walker

BY IMRAN GHORI
STAFF WRITER
ighori@pe.com

Published: 21 January 2012 05:49 PM

After slashing their own benefits earlier this month, San Bernardino County supervisors on Tuesday will start taking aim at extra compensation for other county-wide elected officials.

The board will vote on a proposal by Supervisors Janice Rutherford and Neil Derry to direct the county administrative and counsel offices to prepare an ordinance that would cut benefit packages for the assessor-recorder, auditor/controller/treasurer-tax collector, district attorney and sheriff. If a majority of supervisors agree, the ordinance will return to the board at a future meeting for a vote.

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