Category Archives: District Attorney

iePolitics: For those who didn’t believe me . . .

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Nothing is changing in this county.  There is not going to be some law enforcement agency riding in on a white horse to save us from the DA, the Sheriff, the AG, or the FBI.  They are all equally corrupt.  Ramos is going nowhere unless he gets a cushy paying position from the Governor or decides to run for Congress.

Governor names Ramos to standards board
FILE PHOTO/2010
San Bernardino County District Attorney Michael Ramos, left, and then-Attorney General Jerry Brown confer in February 2010.

BY JIM MILLER

SACRAMENTO BUREAU

jmiller@pe.com

Published: 15 November 2011 04:13 PM

SACRAMENTO – Gov. Jerry Brown has appointed San Bernardino County District Attorney Michael Ramos to the Commission for Peace Officer Standards.

Ramos, of Redlands, has been district attorney since 2002 and has been with the district attorney’s office since 1989. Ramos, a Republican, and Brown, a Democrat, have worked together on various issues, such as Ramos’ support this year for the governor’s proposal to extend temporary tax increases.

To read the rest of the story, click here.

iePolitics: A few things about the Colonies scandal

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Mark Kirk

I was caught a little off guard last night when I was told that an iePolitics.com post was part of the documents in the Grand Jury proceedings to indict Jeff Burum, Paul Biane, Mark Kirk, and Jim Erwin.  Supposedly, it was used by one of the defense attorneys as part of an argument that an indictment should not occur.  That makes zero sense to me.  Does anyone know anything about this?

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iePolitics: For those who keep asking “Who?”

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Some time ago I received a series of emails containing racist and sexual emails that had been distributed among and passed on by county figures and often on county computers.  I published one set but felt the others were too inflammatory.  Of course, among quite a few other emails, those emails “disappeared” from my inbox.

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iePolitics: Congratulations to Buzz, or is it Woody?

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Mike Ramos and Rod Hoops

Editor’s Note:  The photo above is from Ramos’ Facebook page.  Even we would not stoop this low. See previous post.

Ramos to represent California in national group
Staff Report
Created: 06/29/2011 03:42:31 PM PDT

The Board of Directors for the National District Attorneys Association has unanimously voted in District Attorney Michael A. Ramos as its newest member.

Ramos will hold the position for one year, and he has been asked by NDAA President-elect Jan Scully to serve as co-chair of the committee for corrections and prison re-entry, according to a press statement released today by the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office.

“Because of my work as president of the CDAA with Governor Brown on AB 109 this past year, I have been noticed as an expert in this area,” said Ramos, who is serving in his third term as the county’s top prosecutor.

Read more: http://www.dailybulletin.com/news/ci_18378230#ixzz1Qp494eI2

iePolitics: Interesting

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I noticed a large number of hits coming from a site called www.indianrunner.net.  The site’s tag line is “A publication of opinion for Tribal Members by Tribal Members created by Members of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians.”  It would appear this publication confirms that Bill Abernathie was in fact hired to head up security and not everyone is happy about it.

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iePolitics: So what happens if Kirk cuts a deal?

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Think about it.  Kirk is not someone with a lot of backbone.  I know he is scared to death right now.  Of the Colonies Four, he is the most likely to cut a deal.  And that makes for interesting talk around the water cooler on the Fifth Floor.

Mark is good friends with both Jeff Burum and Greg Devereaux.  Jeff Burum and Greg Devereaux.  Greg Devereaux is very close with John Doe No. 2, the so-far unindicted co-conspirator and partner of Jeff Burum, Dan Richards.

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iePolitics: Suborning perjury

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Perhaps some of our sharp legal minds can weigh in on this subject.  Let’s look at two California Penal Code sections:

118.1. Every peace officer who files any report with the agency which employs him or her regarding the commission of any crime or any investigation of any crime, if he or she knowingly and intentionally makes any statement regarding any material matter in the report which the officer knows to be false, whether or not the statement is certified or otherwise expressly reported as true, is guilty of filing a false report punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for up to one year, or in the state prison for one, two, or three years. This section shall not apply to the contents of any statement which the peace officer attributes in the report to any other person.

127. Every person who willfully procures another person to commit perjury is guilty of subornation of perjury, and is punishable in the same manner as he would be if personally guilty of the perjury so procured.

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iePolitics: Let’s start a pool . . .

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Ok, this will be a non-monetary pool as I don’t want to be indicted by the champions of justice; the guardians of truth, liberty, and the American Way; the proponents  of integrity and fairness; aka the “Thug Squad,” for running an illegal gambling operation.  But we need a pool of guesses as to:

  1. Who will be indicted?
  2. When will the indictments occur?
  3. How high will the bail be?
  4. How many new charges will there be for Jim Erwin?

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iePolitics: Matt “Yellow” Brown

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Yellow Rat Snake

There is a post over at www.inlandpolitics.com regarding Supervisor Paul Biane’s former Chief of Staff Matt Brown’s Young Republican PAC.  Here is the link:  Young Republican PAC.

Brown is one of the sleaziest county politicos in the whole county corruption scandal.  He attempted to record his former boss while collecting a $200,000-plus salary from him.  It is also thought he is behind many of the recent leaks.

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iePolitics: Update on Erwin Case

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As we expected, the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s office has requested a postponement of the Erwin preliminary hearing scheduled for Monday.  Judge Duke Rouse will rule on the motion on Monday.

Testimony continues before the criminal Grand Jury where we expect to see a number of the unnamed co-conspirators indicted.  It is conceivable that the district attorney will drop charges against Erwin and then indict him to avoid the preliminary hearing altogether.  Erwin has subpoenaed several current and former officials including District Attorney Mike Ramos.

We expect Rouse to rule in the District Attorney’s favor.

District Attorney Mike Ramos: Postmus Pleads Guilty

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San Bernardino, CA – Today, William J. Postmus pleaded guilty to the offenses charged in both the Colonies Conspiracy case and to the charged offenses in theseparate Assessor case. The pleas were taken in front of Superior Court Judge Michael A. Smith. As part of the plea agreement with the District Attorney and the Attorney General, Postmus agreed to cooperate in the ongoing investigation and to testify truthfully in subsequent proceedings. If he gives truthful testimony in all future proceedings, the further agreement is that he will be sentenced on the following three felony charges: Conspiracy to Accept a Bribe (Penal Code 182) and Conflict of Interest (Government Code 1090) in the Colonies Conspiracy case for actions while he was Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, and to Misappropriation of Public Funds (Penal Code 424) while he was County Assessor in that separate case. The remaining charges would be dismissed. There was no agreement on sentence. Postmus would face a maximum of 5 years in State Prison for the above three charges. The Court may take into consideration his degree of cooperation at the time of pronouncement of judgment. Postmus’ admission today to a Conflict of Interest may lead to further proceedings in the civil courts seeking to void the $102 million Colonies settlement. His next court appearance will be October 14, 2011, for a Status Conference.

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Sentinel: Report circulating that DA threatened judge

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The San Bernardino County legal community finds itself embroiled in contretemps, with a report spreading that district attorney Mike Ramos, or agents of his office acting on his behalf, threatened a Superior Court judge.

Though the account has not been confirmed by any of the principals said to be involved, an individual of considerable standing and substance at the courthouse has told the Sentinel that just prior to Judge Frank Gafkowski’s ruling on a matter believed to be of major import to Ramos’ professional standing and political future, the district attorney dispatched a senior member of his office to confront Gafkowski and present him with an ultimatum regarding that pending ruling. That ultimatum contained a warning that if Gafkowski made a finding contrary to Ramos’ interests, efforts would be undertaken to ensure that Gafkowski would lose his current judicial assignment.

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iePolitics: So why don’t we have a new District Attorney?

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Riverside County District Attorney Paul Zellerbach was sworn in today, replacing the only district attorney in the state of California who could rival San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos in terms of political persecutions.  As a matter of fact, former-Riverside County District Attorney Rod Pacheco seemed to have totally lost it in the final days of his term.  His behavior could only be called bizarre.

We are not ready to say Ramos is equally bizarre.  But he is still a predator, a predator who could be retired as of today had promises been kept.

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iePolitics: 2010: A year of deceit

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As 2010 comes to a close, we can’t help but feel it was a year of disappointment in relationship to the County’s corruption scandal and much of that disappointment was based on deception.  We feel misled by those out to protect themselves at the expense of others.  Here are a few of things we were told that turned out just the opposite.

  • Credible candidate would run and be funded against Mike Ramos.
  • There would a press conference right after the June primary in relationship to a package turned over to federal authorities.  The package was said to have been compiled by private investigators for Jeff Burum showing District Attorney to be guilty of one solid felony.
  • Search warrants would be served on the District Attorney by the feds.
  • Steve Cooley would easily be elected as Attorney General and would review corruption cases.
  • Paul Biane would be re-elected. Continue reading →

iePolitics: So who is going to be arrested next?

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Editor:  You have to read down to the very end of this article to see that Ramos claims there may be more arrests in 2011.

Corruption probes cast wide net

Investigators pursue cases across county
Posted: 12/30/2010 05:47:55 PM PST
Updated: 12/30/2010 06:49:15 PM PST

The past year has been fraught with scandal in San Bernardino County as state and local prosecutors charged two former county officials in a sweeping corruption complaint related to a $102million land dispute and convicted a third former county official on charges of fraud, theft and conspiracy.Also in 2010, federal investigators raided the county’s Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton and Upland City Hall in what appear to be unrelated investigations.

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iePolitics: How the Ristow case will resolve

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We are going to start our New Year’s predictions early because we are hearing a bit of chatter.  And the chatter is that Mike Ramos is on the offensive.

The key to the Ristow case is the up-to-now confidential affidavits signed by five women who were involved with Ramos.  Making those affidavits public will take Ramos down and he knows it.

So far none of the predictions about his demise have come true.  The BOS has only seen a report that basically puts all the blame on Ristow.  Mark Kirk , Andrew Lamberto, and Ruth Stringer made sure the truth did not come out.

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SBSun: San Bernardino County district attorney attends meeting with Gov.-elect Jerry Brown

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Editor’s Note:  This certainly makes us wonder what we have been led to believe about Ramos.  We also hear that he is going to continue in his position to the California Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board under Governor-elect Brown.  Makes us wonder.

Posted: 12/16/2010 07:22:55 PM PST

San Bernardino County District Attorney Michael A. Ramos was among a statewide contingent of law enforcement officials who met with Gov.-elect Jerry Brown this week to discuss major issues.Among the items discussed, Ramos said he was concerned about a future loss of revenue from the sun-setting Vehicle License Fund, state prison realignment discussions and the state budget. The meeting occurred Monday at Brown’s office in Sacramento.

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iePolitics: Lewis Cope

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Sources are telling iePolitics that the lead prosecutor of the Public Integrity Unit, Lewis Cope, who is prosecuting the Jim Erwin/Bill Postmus and the Greg Eyler/Bill Postmus cases may be leaving the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s office very soon.  Rumor has it that Cope wants out badly and has applied for a judicial appointment.

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InlandPolitics: The Sun still protecting DA

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District Attorney Mike Ramos

www.inlandpolitics.com

Sunday, December 5, 2010 – 01:30 p.m.

Last week another round of perjury for San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos.

Last week another list of excuses and deflections by his biggest defender.

The editorial board of The Sun seems to be on its heels over the latest screw-up by Ramos, but rushed to his defense none-the-less.

Last week the California Fair Political Practices Commission announced it intended to fine Ramos and his campaign treasurer, San Bernardino-based certified public accountant Marvin Reiter, for nine errors on Ramos’ campaign finance disclosure.

Most of the some $9,000 in omissions were credit card charges related to hotels and bars.

The lastest episode comes on the heels of Ramos being caught for failing to disclose a $10,000 payment he made to his wife from his campaign funds in 2009 for alleged campaign work.

A practice which is now banned under state law.

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iePolitics: The Ramos Fine

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One of my disappointments during the past eleven days of non-blogging has been my inability to write about the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) findings against San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos.  Many of you may remember that we filed the complaint against him that resulted in this fine.  See:  Mike Ramos

Although we are happy with the finding of guilt, we do not believe the commission is going far enough.  Ramos is actively prosecuting his  political enemies for similar deeds, charging infractions as felonies.  Yet, as an attorney he should be held to a higher standard.  But instead he is receiving a slap on the hand in comparison to others.

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iePolitics: Exclusive: The Eyler/Postmus witness list – Updated #3

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Editor’s Note:  For a blog that “no one reads,” stories that are printed on it sure do have the tendency to create havoc.  We knew there would be several additional names to this list, but then presents drop from the sky.  And those presents were read by the defense.


iePolitics has obtained a partial list of witnesses expected to be called as a part of the upcoming corruption trial in People v. Postmus, et al.  Attorneys for the defendants have given the judge an expected length of seven to eight weeks for the trial.  Here are the names we have been given so far:

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InlandPolitics Commentary: Ramos fined again

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  • Written by
  • Posted November 30, 2010 at 5:50 am

Monday, November 29, 2010 – 11:00 p.m.
Last Updated: November 30, 2010 – 06:45 a.m.

Well…well….well…….

San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos caught again by state regulators.

After getting fined $200 earlier this year by the State of California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) for failing to properly disclose $10,000 he paid to his wife from campaign funds, Ramos is about to get smacked again.

This time the proposed fine is $2,500 against both Ramos and his campaign committee treasurer. A significantly stiffer penalty, and one highly irregular for a sitting District Attorney.

But Ramos’ own ethical lapses know no bounds.

It seems San Bernardino County’s illustrious “Do as I say, not as I do” DA intentionally failed to itemize a 2009 campaign-funded credit card charging frenzy on his finance disclosure reports.

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iePolitics: Rouse leaves major reductions of charges open

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Last Friday Judge Duke D. Rouse denied the defense’s motion to drop almost all charges in the Erwin FPPC case because he indicated that it needed to be reviewed at the preliminary hearing.  He did say that if those charges all involved a single form, they would not likely survive the prelim.  They all do in fact involve a single form.

We expect the prelim to take place early February.  It shall be interesting to see what happens.

iePolitics: Exclusive: The Eyler/Postmus witness list – Updated

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Editor’s Note:  For a blog that “no one reads,” stories that are printed on it sure do have the tendency to create havoc.  We knew there would be several additional names to this list, but then presents drop from the sky.  And those presents were read by the defense.


iePolitics has obtained a partial list of witnesses expected to be called as a part of the upcoming corruption trial in People v. Postmus, et al.  Attorneys for the defendants have given the judge an expected length of seven to eight weeks for the trial.  Here are the names we have been given so far:

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iePolitics: RIP

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Yet another individual associated with one of San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos’ political witch hunts has taken his own life.   The deputy public defender representing Steven Cox has passed away.  Although we are not suggesting his untimely death was related to the case, we have been sitting on a story of wrongdoing by both Doreen Boxer and Lauri Ferguson as well as Mike Ramos in this situation for several months.  Boxer/Ferguson have put up one roadblock after another to keep the story out of the press.   Now maybe the story will get told.  And perhaps our Board of Supervisors will realize the consequences of their indecision.

Our condolences to the family.

InlandPolitics: The Insider: Feds calling shots in ARMC investigation

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www.inlandpolitics.com

Wednesday, November 10, 2010 – 9:28 a.m.

Is the District Attorney really calling the shots in the investigation involving activities at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC)?

The evidence is building, and it’s beginning to look more and more like the answer is “no”.

Confidential sources tell The Insider that federal agents were doing the questioning of hospital staff, not investigators for District Attorney Michael Ramos, as everyone is being led to believe.

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Editorial: BOS Should Postpone CAO/CEO Board Item to Allow Imput from Rutherford

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Supervisor-elect Janice Rutherford

www.grapevine.com

The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors is playing fast and loose with the rules once again.  And this time around it seems they may very well be in such a hurry so to prevent newcomer Supervisor-elect Janice Rutherford, who ran on a platform of ethics reform, from providing her input into a law that will affect her ability to serve her constituents  for her entire term of office and keeping her promises to voters.

Four out of the five current supervisors supported Rutherford’s opponent and now they are pushing through a new county ordinance to transfer authority from the Board of Supervisors to their hand-selected County Administrative Officer Greg Devereaux.  Devereaux appears to have little concern for ethics reform as evidenced by his handling of the Arrowhead Regional Medical Center scandal, which was highlighted this past week with his misstatements to the press and his covering for supervisors who are accused of wrongdoing.  Inside sources say that those supervisors were targeted in the search warrants and criminal charges against them are possible.

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InlandPolitics: S.B. County officials, past and present, run for cover

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www.inlandpolitics.com

Saturday, November 6, 2010 – 12:20 p.m.

Last Updated: November 6, 2010 – 05:30 p.m.

Now the lid has finally blown on the scandal at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC).

What a surprise to us all.

Well, not really.

Saturday mornings local news articles related to federal agents raiding the facility and seizing records were horrendous to say the least.

All of those denials. Or should I say lies.

The most outrageous is courtesy of former ARMC administrator and fired county administrative officer Mark H. Uffer, who through his attorney Sanford Kassel, denies any knowledge of free health care for county elected and appointed officials.

Kassel says Uffer was shocked to hear about the goings on at ARMC.

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iePolitics: Updates on DA/Bailiff

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It has taken a while for a number of technical reasons, but we finally got a  letter off to Judge Elwell.  We will post it as soon aswe know he has received it for sure.  We also have been promised a P-form to file against Deputy Wilkerson.

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iePolitics: More prosecutorial misconduct exposed at Postmus prelim; Matt Brown proves worth to opponents once again

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Fireworks could be found once again today at the San Bernardino County Courthouse where District Attorney investigator Bud Randle was forced to admit that the District Attorneys office used former Chief of Staff Matt Brown to illegally tape record Bill Postmus.  Once Postmus obtained legal counsel such an act violates his Constitutional right against self-incrimination.   This revelation as well as the one last Friday where they had to admit they used Adam Aleman in a similar manner has the potential to cause all charges to be dismissed.

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InlandPolitics: Prosecutorial misconduct?

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www.inlandpolitics.com

Saturday, October 30, 2010 – 1030 p.m.

Did Fridays preliminary hearing involving former San Bernardino County Assessor Bill Postmus and Taxpayer Advocate Gregory Eyler really take an unexpected turn?

Well according to people in the courtroom, maybe not.

District Attorney staff entering the courtroom before the hearing reportedly looked unhappy and stressed. Something you wouldn’t expect after securing a high-profile conviction just two days earlier.

Smiles should have been in order.

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iePolitics: A dime

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It’s always interesting to see what mainstream media prints and what they don’t.  Today’s stories on the Postmus/Eyler preliminary hearing are a case in point.  Both the Sun and the Press Enterprise did a good job of getting the facts out.  But they both forgot a few of the better moments.

Our second most favorite District Attorney investigator, Bud Randle, was on the stand testifying as to the theft charges against Bill Postmus.  While discussing one of the charges, Randle was asked when they discovered the “crime.”  Before all was said and done, Randle had to admit that the District Attorney’s Office filed criminal charges three years and ONE MONTH after discovery.  In other words, they waited until AFTER the statute of limitations had expired to file.  That may very well be a problem.

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iePolitics: Maldonado endorsed by sex addict

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We hear that Mikey and Abel Maldonado held a press conference in front of the San Bernardino County Civil Courthouse this morning so that Mikey could officially announce that he is endorsing Abel Maldonado for Lieutenant Governor.  Maldonado, of course, is one of the turncoat Republicans who, like Anthony Adams, voted for the biggest tax increase in California history.

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iePolitics: DA Liar No.2 – Part Two

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Bob Smith

Certain subjects generate a lot of hits, while others a lot of comments, and still others a lot of private email.  For having a common name, stories on Bob Smith always generate a lot of negative emotion in the form of phone calls and email.  Our last story on this Bob Smith was no exception.

Much of what we received this time around has to do with Smith’s shenanigans in Yermo rather than the fraud he committed in the county.  We will save the Yermo story for a few days as I am trying to verify some of that information.

The most laughable information this time was from a deputy sheriff who wanted to tell me that Smith had tried to convince the residents of Helendale to give up their services from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, form their own police department, and make him chief of police.  If you’ve never been to Helendale . . . well think of Andy and Barney and you’ll get an idea of what a Helendale Police Department would be like.  The guy always has a scheme.

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InlandPolitics: Lack of case evident in final day of Gutierrez trial

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Thursday, October 21, 2010 – 01:15 p.m.

www.inlandpolitics.com

The final day in the trial of former San Bernardino County Assessor employee and Rancho Cucamonga city councilman Rex Gutierrez had some interesting events of note.

Gutierrez is charged with three felony counts related to alleged time card fraud during his employment under former Assessor Bill Postmus.

Events not covered by the local newspapers of course.

Two significant parts in Wednesdays proceedings was courtesy of key witness Adam Aleman and defense lawyer Jim Reiss.

Reiss recalled Aleman to the stand to further exploit Aleman’s inability to tell the truth.

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iePolitics: No reason to let the truth get in the way of a conviction

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According to Adam Aleman, Rancho Cucamonga developer Jeff Burum called former Assessor Bill Postmus and told him to give Rex Gutierrez a job.  And the District Attorneys office is quite happy to let the jury think that.  It makes their story of a grand conspiracy all the more believable.  There is one problem.  DA investigators never bothered to follow up on Aleman’s claim to verify it.

The truth is a little different.  What actually happened, had the investigators bothered to ask, is Burum and Jim Erwin were talking, as they often do since they are friends.  Burum mentioned Gutierrez and the fact he needed a job closer to home.  Burum asked if there were any jobs open in the Assessor’s Office—ANY!

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iePolitics: Lamberto transcripts turned over to BOS

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Andrew’s got some ‘splaining to do.  Transcripts clearly showing San Bernardino County’s Director of Human Resources Andrew Lambert purposely mangled the truth while testifying at the Gutierrez trial two weeks ago have been turned over to the Board of Supervisors and County Administrative Office.  In the meantime, iePolitics has received a considerable number of hits this morning from the FBI on the posts regarding Lamberto’s perjury.

Lamberto’s testimony could not only send an innocent man to prison, but may very well impact numerous others working for the Board of Supervisors and County Administrative Office.  Mark Kirk in particular has been targeted by District Attorney investigators, and based on information from a confidential informant, we believe they have stepped up their investigation in the past week.  We have been told he is one of the individuals whose payroll records have been subjected to a search warrant/subpoena.

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iePolitics: Was it love or what?

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It seems Assistant Attorney General Melissa Mandel fell head over heals over Rex Gutierrez today during the final stages of the trial.  The angry Ms. Mandel was pretty intense from what we hear, even attacking Rex’s wife during closing arguments.

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iePolitics: The DA’s office continues to pound

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Bud Randle and Co. seem enthralled with Bill Postmus’ personal life, which likely means some of them have their own issues in that area if you know what I mean.  Yep, lots of rednecks have secret alternative lifestyles preferences.

Rather than concentrating their cases on his “criminal” activity, they have been far more interested in his love life.  Their exploitation has become egregious to the point that it seems they are purposely attempting to push him over the edge.  This time around the harassment is strengthening his resolve rather than weakening it.  I am happy to say that Bill now has 70 days clean and sober and the random drug tests to prove it.  Wonder what Bud will try next?

SBGrapevine: Editorial: Time for the US Department of Justice to Step in: Compelled to Deceive – Part Three

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Adam Aleman

www.sbgrapevine.com

Are you listening US Attorney?  San Bernardino County is in crisis.  It is a crisis that mocks our justice system; one that distorts the truth; and one where integrity is a forgotten.  Bringing about justice is no longer the highest priority of our county prosecutors; winning at any and all cost  is their goal—a goal that has little to do integrity, truth or . . . justice.

There are many lesser-known stories of justice gone awry in our county. Ours  starts with a little-known manager at the local Outback Steakhouse who went on to make headlines.  His name is familiar to all of us.  It is Adam Aleman.

Aleman caught the attention of then-Supervisor Bill Postmus many years ago.  He eventually left Outback Steakhouse to become a member of Postmus’ Board of Supervisors staff.

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SB Sentinel: Court Filing Contradicts Cortes’ Form 700s

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Grand Terrace City Councilwoman Bea Cortes

Friday, October 15, 2010

Grand Terrace City Councilwoman Bea Cortes consistently failed to disclose a significant portion of the income she received on the financial interest disclosure forms she was required to fill out throughout her tenure as an elected official, court documents Cortes herself filed in conjunction with her divorce show.

iePolitics: A much calmer courtroom

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Bob Schrieber

The atmosphere in Judge Michael Smith’s courtroom today was 180 degrees opposite of just a week ago.  Much of that likely had to do with a notable absence, PIU boss Bob Schreiber, who was never to be seen today.  Even the bailiff seemed to have a change of heart and tried to be helpful.

The always-bigoted Bud Hollis toned down his testimony as well today as he got lesson after lesson about telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.  He had to admit that he had never read county policy regarding exempt employees.   For example, during three years of investigation and a price tag already of $4 million, he had never bothered to read the part of the Exempt  Compensation Plan that says: Continue reading →

iePolitics: FPPC investigation into Ramos “ongoing”

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Some may remember the FPPC complaint I filed against San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos about six months ago.  I had not received status on the complaint since a few weeks after I filed it.  I finally called up there to see if perhaps the letter had been lost in the mail.  I was told they will not give me status on an on-going investigation and will advise me when they have completed it.  So you will know when I know.

SBGrapevine: Editorial: Now is the time for the US Department of Justice to step in – Part Two

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www.sbgrapevine.com

Are you listening US Attorney?  San Bernardino County is in crisis.  The principles our nation were founded on are being undermined by the very person sworn to uphold the Constitution of the United States—the person charged with enforcing the Constitution and all state and local laws at the county level.

When one reads the California District Attorneys Association Code of Ethics reprinted in Part One of this series, it is easy to see its President and our county’s District Attorney, Mike Ramos, has broken every concept put forth in that document.  He flagrantly violates those ethical standards while claiming to be in the pursuit of “justice.”

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SBGrapevine: Editorial: Now is the time for the US Department of Justice to step in – Part One

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District Attorney Mike Ramos

www.sbgrapevine.com

Are you listening United States Attorney?  San Bernardino County is in crisis.  Oh yes, we have financial problems like every other jurisdiction but we will get through them in due time.  Our crisis is a much more serious threat to our citizenry.  It is a crisis of ethics, of safety, and of fear.

Our crisis undermines the feeling of security and well being of law-abiding citizens.  It mocks those who gave their blood to protect the Constitution of the United States.  It is as evil a crisis as any American community can face.

Our crisis centers around the political aspirations of our district attorney who uses his powers, not just to prosecute criminals, but to persecute political enemies.  Justice no longer equates with truth but rather revenge.

California Government Code Section 26500 defines  the district attorney as the chief law enforcement officer in the county.  It is one of only four positions in any county that is required by the California Constitution to be elected.  The others are sheriff, assessor and members of the governing body.

The California District Attorneys Association defines the ethical duties of prosecutors as follows:

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iePolitics: More about the Postmus prelim

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If my health holds up this weekend, there will be stories about what happened today and about the criminal case all weekend long.  I thought I would share a few more tidbits.

Lewis Cope is a Mormon.  I have found most Mormons to be good people.  But then there are those that try to force their church’s bigoted attitudes on everyone else.  When one is a District Attorney, they should be enforcing state law, not church law.  Cope has a different view.

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iePolitics: Hey Sheriff Hoops, expect a P-form

Posted on by Administrator
72

Yep, it will be coming along with a claim against the county being filed with Risk Management due to what your deputy did this morning in Judge Smith’s courtroom.  Your deputy is there to maintain courtroom security, not do the District Attorney’s bidding under color of authority.  She is not there to harass and intimidate court observers.

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