As a former law enforcement officer of almost 30 years, I take no joy in seeing a story about corruption in law enforcement. I have been critical in some of my writings about the leadership in California and LA County in particular. Living in Orange County, I follow the events in my former home town of Los Angeles and thank God I am living in Orange County. However, this week, after years of rumors about wrong-doing by Orange County Sheriff Mike Carona, the sheriff was indicted under federal corruption charges, alleging for the most part, that he accepted bribes.
Carona, who has been sheriff for nine years, skyrocketed to national acclaim a few years back as a result of the Samantha Runnion kidnap-murder case, which was solved by his deputies in a matter of days. This while police and prosecutors in Colorado and Utah were tripping all over themselves trying to solve the cases of JonBenet Ramsey and Elizabeth Smart respectively. Carona became personally involved in the Runnion case in providing emotional support to Samantha's mother. He soon became acclaimed as "America's Sheriff", and was embraced by Republican politicians who saw a political future for the Sheriff.
However, there were periodic stories that arose that suggested that Carona had a dark side. In particular, two of his assistant chiefs became embroiled in scandals that threatened to involve Carona as well. George Jaramillo was eventually fired by Carona, later indicted on corruption charges, and is now a witness against Carona. Carona's ugliest association, however, was with Don Haidl, a wealthy Orange County businessman who Carona appointed to Assistant Chief, a position for which he was completely unqualified. It was Haidl's teenage son, Greg, who brought this suspicious relationship to light with a string of run-ins with the law, most of which seemed to result in preferential treatment. When Greg was charged with two of his friends for raping a high school acquaintance (who was drunk) and videotaping the event, the scandal surrounding Carona's relationship with the elder Haidl became an uproar. Haidl and his friends were eventually convicted and are serving time.) Don Haidl, meanwhile left the Sheriff's Department.
Subsequently, Carona was re-elected as Sheriff in 2006, defeating one of his subordinates, Bill Hunt. After the election, Hunt was demoted and reassigned for speaking negatively about Carona during the campaign. Hunt has since retired.
In the indictment, it is alleged that Carona used his office to accept bribes and other gifts including $350,000, a Cartier watch, vacations and tickets to major sports events. In return, Carona allegedly handed out concealed weapons permits and badges. Also indicted were Carona's wife, Debbie and his alleged mistress, Debra Hoffman. As mentioned above, Jaramillo and Haidl, apparently involved in the bribery, are set to testify against Carona.
Thus, on October 31, Carona surrendered himself, was booked, spent a few hours in jail and appeared in court, dressed in civilian clothes, handcuffed and shackled at the waist. Also appearing with him were his wife and Ms. Hoffman. Carona was released on $20,000 bond, allowed to keep his gun but ordered not to contact any witnesses against him. He is refusing to resign while under charges.
What a sad spectacle! Carona, of course, is presumed innocent until proven guilty. He cannot be fired under present law because he is an elected official. What an embarrassing and awkward situation Orange County has to endure as this guy goes about his duties, announcing arrests, giving press conferences etc.
Generally, I have tended to side with law enforcement when they are accused of wrongdoing by left-wing activists or others who don't understand what the job is all about. I draw a firm line, however, when it comes to corruption and bribery. In my own career (3 years Military Police, 2 1/2 years US Customs and 22 years with DEA, I never took a dime that didn't belong to me. I expect the same from any other law enforcement official. As I said, Carona must be presumed innocent until proven guilty, but if he is convicted, I hope he gets the max.
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