Reiff: Law Prof Mainero Says He’d Love to be DA but Hates the Politics

Opinion

By Rick Reiff | 16 hours ago

Chapman University Law Professor and former Orange County supervisor chief of staff Mario Mainero discusses the controversies enveloping the county District Attorney’s office. The discord has fueled an election challenge to incumbent Tony Rackauckas from Supervisor Todd Spitzer. But many observers are pushing for an “outsider” to enter the race. Is Mainero the answer? He discusses the state of justice in OC and whether he’ll run for DA.

Spitzer Leads in County Campaign Fundraising, According to Latest Disclosures

Andrew Do

By Thy Vo | August 1, 2017

The latest campaign finance disclosures filed with the county Registrar of Voters show Supervisor Todd Spitzer, who is challenging District Attorney Tony Rackauckas for his seat in 2018, leading in fundraising with more than $1.29 million in his campaign coffers at the end of June.

Spitzer Joins Closed Session After Being Assured DA Wrong About Conflict of Interest

County Government

By Jose Ochoa | July 27, 2017

County Counsel Leon Page said the conflict of interest claims were “simply not true.”

Rackauckas and Spitzer Clash Over Settlement Talks on DA Investigators’ Claims

By Nick Gerda | July 25, 2017

It’s up to county supervisors to decide whether to settle the claims, which would prevent lawsuits. A settlement discussion is scheduled for Tuesday.

DA Investigator Who Filed Legal Claim Placed on Administrative Leave

By Thy Vo | July 17, 2017

Tom Conklin, an investigator for the Orange County District Attorney who filed a complaint in May claiming he has faced retaliation for whistleblowing, was placed on administrative leave July 13.

Ex-Staffer’s Claim Against Spitzer Didn’t Pan Out, According to DA Investigator

By Tracy Wood | July 14, 2017

The OC Register said District Attorney investigator Tom Conklin, in an 11-page summary of the investigation of Spitzer obtained by the newspaper, said bank records of former Spitzer aide Christine Richters didn’t show the cash withdrawals.

Spitzer Officially Declares His Run Against Rackauckas for DA

Election 2018

By Nick Gerda | July 10, 2017

The move, which had been expected for years, set the stage for what is anticipated to be an intense election campaign.

Rackauckas Files $190,000 in Behested Payments More Than Six Months Late

Behested payments

By THY VO and NICK GERDA | July 5, 2017

The donations were made in 2016 at Rackauckas’ request to the office’s nonprofit, the Orange County Gang Reduction and Intervention Partnership (OC GRIP). He filed the reports more than six months after the deadline.

Grand Jury Report Details Allegations of Sexual Harassment and Favoritism Within DA Investigations Unit

By Thy Vo | June 27, 2017

Sex between supervisors and subordinates, sexual harassment, and perceptions of a “good old boys club” that receives promotions and favorable treatment may contribute to a hostile work environment within the Orange County District Attorney’s investigations bureau, according to an Orange County Grand Jury report released Tuesday.

Investigating OC Law Enforcement: Orange County’s DA and Sheriff Are Under Rare Scrutiny

Countywide

By Nick Gerda and Thy Vo | June 12, 2017

The question now is, what, if anything, will result from the investigations.