Voice of OC (https://voiceofoc.org/tag/orange-county-sheriff/)
Undersheriff Don Barnes, Aliso Viejo Mayor Dave Harrington and Los Angeles District Attorney detective Duke Nguyen are all vying for the Sheriff’s seat on June 5.
The lawsuit claims the District Attorney and Sheriff continue to use informants illegally as part of a long-standing snitch program, despite official claims that the illegal use of informants is the work of a few rogue deputies.
Orange County’s top law enforcement jobs could be hotly contested races this year as four candidates, including District Attorney Tony Rackauckas, are running for DA and three contenders want to replace Sandra Hutchens as Sheriff.
Former Santa Ana Police Chief and City Manager Paul M. Walters is the new chief of the Investigations Bureau for the Orange County District Attorney, six months after his predecessor departed with claims he was fired for whistle-blowing.
Orange County’s Sheriff Sandra Hutchens’ credibility has been destroyed by Superior Court Judge Thomas Goethals. Meanwhile, District Attorney Tony Rackauckas stands accused of political corruption by his own senior investigators. Regional fire service also is in full crisis mode after executives at the Orange County Fire Authority apparently ousted Fire Chief Jeff Bowman against the will of rank and file firefighters.
The question now is, what, if anything, will result from the investigations.
Former Orange County Sheriff Mike Carona, who was convicted of witness tampering in 2009 following a federal corruption investigation, has been released from prison early.
Citing negative feelings toward public defender, James A. Stotler said Tuesday another judge should hear high-profile murder case.
Irvine’s deadline comes and goes without Forde & Mollrich turning over financial information relating to their infamous Great Park contract. City Council will decide whether to take the issue to a judge.
The officers’ battle with management is expected to continue, with their union challenging the decision to strip their peace officer status.