Some have told us that it does not matter how San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos goes about getting convictions against the corruption figures, as long as they are convicted. For some reason there are those who do not have an issue with the district attorney breaking the law to gain a conviction.
As more investigation is being done and discovery trickling in at a snail’s pace, we are learning just how far Ramos will go. No law is safe from Mikey.
A constant them on this blog is the blatant violation of rights guaranteed to us by the Constitution of the United States that we witness in this county. I am asked often why I stand up for former Assessor Bill Postmus and former Assistant Assessor Jim Erwin.
Something many of our readers seem to forget is that I stood up for both prior to ever knowing either one. And the answer to the question as to why is simple. I believe that the constitutional rights of every individual accused in the corruption scandal have been trampled over.
Many of you feel strongly that all of the corruption figures are guilty so, therefore, District Attorney Mike Ramos and Attorney General Jerry Brown are within their purview to do anything necessary to gain a conviction. And it is that thinking that is driving the United States of America into the ground.
Today someone shared some history with me regarding former Assessor Bill Postmus’ drug addiction that provided one more piece of the puzzle. It has been confirmed with several of the participants.
Postmus’ attempts at rehabilitation have been written about extensively. I do not know the statistic for permanently successful rehabilitation, but I know it is very low. Few people go into rehab once and never have an issue again.
Bill’s first or second attempt occurred after a huge fight with Jim Erwin where the two got into a screaming match over Bill’s addiction. At that point Bob Smith basically forced Bill to pack and transported him to the Pine Ridge Treatment Center in Lucerne Valley.
Yesterday’s arrest of former San Bernardino County Assessor Bill Postmus was not much of a surprise to anyone close to this case. What was more of a surprise was how blatantly the San Bernardino County Public Integrity Unit (PIU) went out of their way to keep from having to present their case at the preliminary hearing.
The first trick up Deputy District Attorney Lewis Cope’s sleeve was to present the defense with “new” evidence from with the previous 48 hours. Well that was the story. But the story changed. Here is the new story according to the Sun:
Prosecutor Lewis Cope expressed disappointment Thursday that he was unable to proceed with the preliminary hearing.
The new report provided to defense attorneys, Cope said, will not change the way he plans to present his case.
“It’s unfortunate in this case that the timing worked out this way, because we would have liked to have moved forward,” Cope said.
The hearing was postponed until September 23, 2010, giving the district attorney more time to investigate the same old stuff even more. But that’s not what they said, you say. And you would be quite gullible if you believe what Cope claimed. His actions yesterday spoke much louder than anything he stated.
Since I can tell from the blog hits and searches, everyone thinks I have the inside track on what is going with Bill. Unfortunately, I can’t get Bill to call me. I’ve tried everything including emailing his sister. She doesn’t know me. She asked who I was, and then didn’t respond further. I don’t blame her under the circumstances. None of the others have heard from him either.
I received notice from the system that Bill was released late this afternoon. That should mean they did not find anything in his vehicle. From what I’ve been told, there is not sufficient justification to search his home, but we also know that Judge Rouse will sign anything.
Former San Bernardino County Assessor Bill Postmus was arrested in court this morning as he was waiting for his one of his corruption cases to be called. A sheriff’s deputy escorted Postmus and his attorney to the back of the courtroom and he did not return. He was transported to West Valley Detention Center on a charge of being under the influence.
Here is the verbatim text message Confidential Informant No. 1, our favorite yellow singing Canary, “persona au gratin” Adam Aleman sent this afternoon from cell phone number (909) x3x-2xx6 to his former boss Bill Postmus: Continue reading
Today San Bernardino Superior Court Judge Duke Rouse denied without prejudice the People’s motion to allow hearsay into evidence in the trial of Rex Gutierrez. Gutierrez, who is charged with two counts of grand theft, one count of embezzlement, and one count of presenting a false claim. At the last moment, the People attempted to claim that Rancho Cucamonga businessman Jeff Burum conspired with former Assessor Bill Postmus to hire Gutierrez so that Burum would have him available to him. None of this was brought up during the preliminary hearing but instead appears to be a ploy to save this prosecution. However, neither Postmus, Gutierrez or Burum have been charged with this “conspiracy.” Continue reading
Sometimes I really wonder who is the worst lawyer, District Attorney Mike Ramos or County Counsel Ruth Stringer. From Ramos we have learned that the Constitution of the United States is not applicable in San Bernardino County, at least not in connection with political enemies. And County Counsel Ruth Stringer has taught us that copulation involving public resources is covered by the “deliberative process” and therefore not subject to review, not that we wanted to review the copulation, only the expenditures attached thereto.
Now we find our two legal beagles are at it again. Well, not with each other we hope, but in consort of sorts, with those at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) who wish to cover for the misdeeds of members of the Board of Supervisors, the county’s Medical Director Dr. Dev GnanaDev, ARMC Chief Executive Officer Patrick Petre, and a handful of doctors and other ARMC employees. Continue reading
Hey Sharon! Everyone knows your fanning the flames for ther Erwin/Burum campaign with Colonies dollars. Will be interesting when they start pulling you in as a witness/co-defendant. Watch out! Interesting how you became a slant-specialist for Erwin only after he approached you after his arrest, as well as Postmus. The reason Erwin, Burum and Postmus use you is because they see an easily manipulated, vulnerable and psychologically imbalanced person who can be their puppet. You have no idea the hole you’ve dug for yourself, lady. Funner times lie ahead for you. Watch your back! These people are very, very dangerous.
From: iePolitics: John Doe No. 5
It has been a while since I have addressed such a comment, and I’m bored writing about Arrowhead Regional Medical Center and the Sheriff’s Department, so I thought I would respond. It seems some people are either dense or can’t read.
Some of you seem to have forgotten my March 19, 2009, column entitled, “Mark your calendars: Today is the day Mike Ramos ended his political career.” It is something I believed then and it is something I believe in even more strongly today. Continue reading
Last week’s turning over of discovery by San Bernardino County lead prosecutor Louis Cope to the defense counsel of former Assessor Bill Postmus and former Assistant Assessor Jim Erwin has proven to be interesting, just as expected.
First and foremost, it is difficult to call the discovery “evidence,” unless one wants to term it “evidence of no wrongdoing.” The documents turned over to defense counsel have proven exactly what Erwin and Postmus have been claiming right along: Millions of dollars of taxpayer money has been spent to leave no stone unturned and the district attorney’s office has not been able to find evidence that anything exchanged hands that would constitute bribery or extortion. Continue reading
I like “I told you so’s” even to my friends. Former San Bernardino County Assessor Bill Postmus got an “I told you so” from me yesterday.
Up until yesterday, Superior Court Judge Micheal Dest seemed to be doing the “right thing” during the hearings for the corruption defendants, at least in comparison to Judge Duke Rouse, who has been doing anything but the “right thing.” But I spent two years working for the little man and tried to tell Bill and Jim that Dest would do what is best for Dest politically. Continue reading
The San Bernardino County Public Defender was replaced and outside counsel was appointed for former Assessor Bill Postmus this morning during a hearing in San Bernardino County Superior Court.
Judge Michael Dest barked at Postmus when Postmus attempted to inform the court he didn’t want to be represented by the conflict panel. Dest told Postmus something to the affect of if you don’t like it you can pay for your own attorney. Continue reading
Friday shall prove to be interesting. Former San Bernardino County Assessor will be back in court regarding the appointment of the Public Defender’s Office to handle his defense. There is a little bit of a problem with Doreen Boxer’s office handling the Postmus defense. You see, Bill was one of many county officials who were present when Doreen and Mike had their little fling at the City/County Conference in Lake Arrowhead. Postmus had to discuss Doreen’s indiscretion with her. Now her office could be ordered to defend him. Can you say conflict of interest?
Let’s see what Judge Michael Dest does. If the matter was before Judge Duke Rouse, Postmus would be in deep do-do as Judge Rouse is showing himself to be the friend of District Attorney Mike Ramos we never knew about until revelations of his personal and financial relationship with the firm handling the Ramos’ sexual harassment claim came to light. I have to think Judge Dest is being a bit more careful and will determine there is a conflict.
It is expected that the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors will discuss the California Attorney General’s request that the county waive its attorney-client privilege regarding the $102 million Colonies settlement in closed session during their April 27, 2010, regularly-scheduled meeting. Second District Supervisor Paul Biane and Fourth District Supervisor Gary Ovitt have both recused themselves. Third District Supervisor Neil Derry and Fifth District Supervisor Josie Gonzales have suggested they will vote in favor of waiving privilege. Only Supervisor Mitzelfelt has not committed one way or another.
In a strongly-worded letter, Senior Assistant Attorney General Gary Schons threatened county supervisors with legal action if they did not waive their attorney-client privilege. However, the supervisors’ duty is to the citizens of San Bernardino County, not an Attorney General grandstanding for political benefit. Continue reading
Former San Bernardino County Assessor Bill Postmus and former Assistant Assessor Jim Erwin were arragined today in Department S23 of the San Bernardino district of the Superior Court of California where Judge Michael M. Dest entered pleas of “not guilty” for both defendants. In addition to Raj Maline, counsel for Erwin, and Steve Levine, counsel for Postmus, Steve Harmon was present as a new member of the defense team.
On advice of attorneys, the “not guilty” pleas were entered with the condition they could later be withdrawn. As stated repeatedly on iePolitics, there simply is no evidence that a criminal act has been committed as the elements of Forgery, Bribery, and Extortion are not present. It is expected that the pleas will be withdrawn and a motion made for the case to be dismissed. The case is set for a dispo hearing on June 3, 2010. Continue reading
There is quite a potential for bombshells dropping this week in a number of ongoing corruption-related issues.
On Monday, we have the arraignment of former San Bernardino County Assessor Bill Postmus and former Chief of Staff Jim Erwin. It is expected that the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office will turn over discovery for the case. This may very well prove to be interesting. First, the rumor that the District Attorney may ask for a gag order would be funny if it didn’t keep popping its ugly head up. If true, it begs the question, “What is the District Attorney trying to hide?” Well, that has birthed a few more rumors, the most prevalent of which is that among the discovery will be information showing that Second Supervisorial District Chief of Staff Matt Brown dropped a dime on his boss, Supervisor Paul Biane. Rumors of Matt’s pending termination have been running rampant for a couple of weeks now. Continue reading
Postmus
Former San Bernardino County Assessor Bill Postmus was under pressure from county administrators and supervisors in 2007 and 2008 to limit reductions in assessed property valuations.
The concern at the time was that Postmus was going to bring down assessed property values in accordance with Proposition 8 at a faster pace than desired.
Proposition 8 allows a county Assessor to reduce assessed values of properties where the market value has dropped below the assessed value on county tax rolls. The action gives property owners some relief on their property tax bills.
When the market value of a property reduced under Prop 8 climbs, the assessed valuations is restored to its proper amount at the time.
A property can have more than one reduction under Prop 8 based upon real estate market conditions. Continue reading
We have five defendants, Jim Erwin, Bill Postmus, Rex Gutierrez, Greg Eyler, and Dino DiFazio. So, we have five criminal defense attorneys; five criminal defense attorneys who have reviewed the discovery provided by the District Attorney’s Office; five criminal defense attorneys who have compared notes; five criminal defense attorneys who have come to realize that Confidential Informant No. 1, our favorite yellow singing Canary extraordinaire, “persona au gratin,” one half of the team known as “Hansel and Gretel,” none other than the young Mr. Adam Aleman has a problem with the truth. This is hardly new news to readers of this blog. But there is a new twist.
Part of the discovery is, of course, the recorded interviews with Mr. Aleman. But not all interviews are given to all attorneys but rather only those that affect each attorney’s client. However, as I said, the defense attorneys are comparing notes. And the defense attorneys’ private investigators are interviewing EVERYONE and comparing notes. Everyone is comparing notes and it doesn’t paint a pretty picture. As stated in another article, the defense attorneys can now impeach Mr. Aleman with recordings in his own voice and words. How much drama will that provide in front of a jury of twelve? Any wonder why Senior Prosecutor Louis Cope attempted to keep evidence away from the defendants? Or that there was a suggestion of a gag order? Continue reading
Confidential Informant No. 1, our favorite yellow singing Canary extraordinaire, “persona au gratin” Adam Aleman is in a fine pickle or up to his pretty pink cheeks in cheese. Or, should I say, the District Attorney’s Office is in a fine pickle because it was the District Attorney’s Office investigators and senior prosecutor who chose to ignore the obvious and instead encourage the young Mr. Aleman to embellish his tales and continue on his trail of deceit.
Why you ask? I think the answer is obvious. District Attorney Mike Ramos needed a “political corruption” conviction. After all, his Public Integrity Unit had done pretty much nothing at all in his first seven years in office. Continue reading
I really need to stop reading former San Bernardino County Administrative Officer Mark Uffer’s Claim Against the County. Every time I do, I find something new. Like tonight I came across the email from Postmus to Biane calling Biane a POS. That was too funny.
Something else was pointed out to me today that got me reading the thing again. That was some more of the questions Mark Uffer suggested the Grand Jury ask Mark Kirk. Continue reading
Rather than trying to answer some of the concerns expressed in the comment section in the “The 59th Assembly Race—Which One Do I Believe?” post, I thought I would make it easy on myself and answer here. First and foremost, I want to stress that I was not accusing Ken Hunter or his campaign manager, John Wurm, of being unethical. I was suggesting that, as the old saying goes, when you lay down with dogs, you get fleas. Continue reading
Seems that the county can no longer afford subsidizing families while taking away health insurance from employees. We hear that the county has proposed returning to flexible benefits dollars in lieu of the medical premium subsidy, which was Mark Uffer’s and Bob “Chicken Man” Blough’s brilliant plan to conquer and divide the membership so they would have more control. Continue reading
To download a PDF version of former County Administrative Officer Mark Uffer’s highly entertaining claim, click here: Uffer Claim
Posted March 17, 2010 at 9:24 am
Information coming out related to the corruption probe being conducted by the San Bernardino County District Attorney is raising serious questions this morning.
Sources with knowledge into one of the cases says information turned over to the defense for High Desert developer John DeFazio may clear him of charges.
According to well-placed sources the District Attorney has turned over documents which show developer Michael Gallagher was actually raising funds for DeFazio’s Inland Empire PAC. A copy of a check made out to the committee was addressed to the PAC in care of Gallagher, who told prosecutors he had nothing to do with the committee. Gallagher’s denial of any involvement led to one perjury count against. Continue reading
These days when my political-type friends and I are talking on the phone, the subject of phone taps always comes up. When I’m talking with Bill or Jim, for example, I assume the district attorney’s office has their phones tapped and can hear everything I say. So, since there is always a supply of 7-in-1 and Bordetella in my refrigerator, I always remind Bill that if he’s at my house he can find the clean syringes there. And when talking with Jim, I make it a point of giving him the account number Adam passed along to me for that off-shore account with the $1.02 million in it from Colonies settlement. The three of us are getting our passports ready for the big day. Continue reading
So our illustrious San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos is concerned about expenses paid by former Assessor Bill Postmus out of Postmus’ campaign war chest—not exactly new news. And also not new news is the fact that what is good for the goose is not necessarily good for the gander—pun totally intended—here in San Bernardino County. Continue reading
The most recent arrests of former San Bernardino County Assessor William “Bill” Postmus and former Chief of Staff to Supervisor Neil Derry, James Erwin, highlights yet again the disparity in treatment by San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos when compared with other jurisdictions. Ramos clearly is attempting to attempting to “punish” those who are political adversaries upfront as he knows the cases against them are weak and convictions are unlikely.
Take a look at the difference between the Postmus/Erwin case and the case of the four San Jacinto City Councilmen who were recently indicted in Riverside County. The disparity is glaring. Continue reading
This last week’s developments involving the filing of charges against two former county officials, the naming of five “un-named” co-conspirators, and the reputation destruction of others referred to in a complaint and accompanying arrest affidavit has commenced a chain of events that will reverberate in San Bernardino County for years.
The charges and accusations come with less than one week before the filing period for the June primary election officially opens. District Attorney Mike Ramos is seeking re-election and California Attorney General Jerry Brown is running for Governor.
After the conclusion of a live press conference District Attorney Mike Ramos made it clear to reporters they could deduce who the “un-charged” or “un-named” parties were by carefully reading the criminal complaint. Figuring out the names wasn’t the least bit difficult. Ramos’ venom was evident. He spoke of personal attacks on himself and his family and concerns over his budget being cut.
Former Assessor and County Supervisor Bill Postmus, who already posted $110,000 bail was re-arrested and forced to post an additional $250,000. Former Assistant Assessor Jim Erwin, who had already posted $220,000 bail was also re-arrested and required to post an additional $380,000.
Neither Postmus nor Erwin had ever been late to any court appearance.
The “un-named” individuals are Jeff Burum, co-managing partner, Colonies Partners, Dan Richards, co-managing partner, Colonies Partners, Patrick O’Reilly, CEO, O’Reilly Public Relations, Paul Biane, second district supervisor, and Mark Kirk, chief of staff to fourth district supervisor Gary Ovitt. Continue reading
I’m afraid I’ve been very busy today moving so I learned of the arrests last this morning and didn’t have an internet connection. As of a short time ago Bill Postmus has made bail. I’m told they are trying to get Jim out today too.
I’m told the rumor is true that Bill did have meth in his possession at the time of his arrest, which will likely be the only legitimate charge in all of this.
I know both have their detractors but this bail is ridiculous. See my previous article on the subject: Eighth Amendment
Anyone of us could find ourselves the object of a district attorney’s or law enforcement officer’s wrath. As I keeping saying, an out-of-control district attorney is more dangerous to a free society than any criminal he prosecutes.
I’m sure that is what the reporter who called me a little while ago regarding Former Assessor Bill Postmus’ and Former Assistant Assessor Jim Erwin’s early morning arrests was thinking. Well, yes, as a matter of fact I do believe this is just another attempt by a desperate district attorney to be re-elected and a governor-wannabe-again feeling the pressure from Meg Whitman.
Ramos will do anything to deflect from his own misdeeds. And time will prove these charges are as trumped up as the last ones.
One thing comes to mind here and that is something Postmus keeps telling me. He claims this whole corruption scandal is the result of Mike Ramos wanting to get at Jeff Burum. He thought Erwin would roll on Jeff the first time. If anything, their friendship seems stronger. I expect today’s event to strengthen it even more. Continue reading
First off, the First District Chief of Staff called me today to set the record straight. He says he never received my messages and I will give him the benefit of the doubt. He also said they purposely leave appointees in expired terms expired. That being said, here is another email I received from a Havasu Lake resident:
Dear Sharon,
Please refer to the 2-9-10 BOS consent calender #2 (f) reappointment of Mike Aleksich to the Havasu Lake M.A.C (g) reappointment of Terry Gardner to the Havasu Lake M.A.C.
First District has decided to go ahead with these appointments even though we are still awaiting the disclosure of the documents (Minutes from the M.A.C. and it subcommittees as well as any appointment books, phone logs and correspondence) requested on 5-26-09 and subsequently obfuscated by Karen Chamberlain, unappointed M.A.C. secretary and wife of triple felon and M.A.C. chairman Gary Chamberlain.
The obfuscation of these documents from all who have asked for them, Robert Eland from first district and Daniel Hauter from the county councils office, fits nicely into the pattern and practice of bald faced corruption here in San Bernardino County.
The proposed reappointment of individuals with dirty hands to our corruption plagued M.A.C. without the disclosure of the documents in question should be tabled until disclosure has occurred and the public has had a chance to comment. How can the BOS make an informed decision as to the appointees record without the minutes?
In the past Tim Millington (Special Districts) actually had to drive out here and seize a box of records from Karen to compel compliance with an earlier Records Request! And Brad maintained her in the position of Secretary!
This situation is all too familiar; it’s negligent. At no time in the past ten years has Brad (nor his predecessor and mentor Bill Postmus) ever taken the time to attend even one of our M.A.C. meetings which are held under the auspices of the First District Supervisors Office!
Now Brad wants to double dip the disrespect with the imposition of these two corrupt cronies!
It is important to note that this is a Bill Postmus Legacy issue, Bill Having first appointed both of the cronies in question, Terry Gardner sitting on the M.A.C. without appointment from 2005-2010.
Common sense would preclude anyone involved with the corrupt M.A.C. or Bill Postmus from serious consideration for appointment to represent the town of Havasu Lake.
No M.A.C. is much safer than a corrupt M.A.C. unable or unwilling to behave in a responsible manner. A quarterly visit from the Supervisor would more than suffice to replace our M.A.C.
Thank You
P.S. Even with the two proposed appointments our M.A.C. still lacks a quorum!
In fairness to former First District Supervisor Bill Postmus, he swears to me he attended at least one Havasu Lake MAC meeting. And the chief of staff seems like he wants to resolve this issue. He indicated that the only individuals at this point who have applied for the positions are the incumbents. I guess we will see what happens.
Today’s hearing in which Michael Jackson’s doctor, Conrad Murray, entered a plea of not guilty to involuntary manslaughter charges and bail was set at $75,000, three times the usual bail for an involuntary manslaughter charge, begs a comparison to San Bernardino County’s own high-profile prosecutions. Those, of course, are the Jim Erwin and Bill Postmus criminal cases. Continue reading
Remember John Hueston?
Hueston is the “special counsel” who brought a civil action against Republican Party official and former San Bernardino County Assessor Bill Postmus and several of Postmus’ former aides and advisors.
His civil lawsuit against Postmus was heralded by the anti-Postmus crowd and unquestioned by the local media.
Maybe it’s time for the media – and more importantly, the board of supervisors – to start asking pertinent questions
John Hueston, who is a Democratic Party luminary, apparently has billed an estimated $700K from county taxpayers in compiling a 33-page “report” skewering many rising Republican Party officials and staff in San Bernardino County and California – and even throughout the Unites States. Hueston’s “report” spared no Republican – Bill Postmus, and nearly all GOP county supervisors, were slimed by his lackluster research, which relied on third-hand rumors, gossip, speculation, and wild conclusions drawn by supposed super lawyer John Hueston. Continue reading