Former Sheriff Charged with Corruption

Michael Carona, a 53-year old former Orange County Sheriff, is about to face trial for federal corruption charges with which he was indicted over a year ago. According to authorities, Carona used his position to financially gain both gifts and cash for his family and mistress. He is facing charges involving conspiracy, fraud and witness tampering. 

If convicted on all counts, Carona could face up to 105 years in prison.  

Although he was first indicted in October 2007, the trial, which had been delayed from its original start date in August 2008, will be underway any day, as jury selection ended on October 28. Eleven men and one woman have been selected to juror Carona's case. 

The Prosecution's Case: Evidence of Carona's Corruption

According to prosecutors, Carona's corruption spans a decade, as initial evidence of his corruption dates back to 1998 when he first ran for sheriff. Over the past decade, Carona allegedly:

• Accepted illegal campaign contributions 

• Accepted a vacation, a boat and cash (the sum of which is valued at over $50,000) in exchange for appointing Donald Haigl (a key witness for the prosecution) to be his assistant sheriff 

• Paying off Haigl and Debra Hoffman (Carona's mistress) to get them to lie while under oath to protect Carona. 

Carona's Public Image before His Federal Indictment

Perhaps one of the most shocking aspects of this federal case is the fact that Carona, prior to his indictment, was a highly respected individual – not only in his community but also nationwide. While he was locally known for being a loyal family man and a dedicated civil servant, in 2002, he gained national acclaim for his role in hunting down a child murderer, Alejandro Avila.  

Following his work that led to the capture of Avila, Carona was dubbed "America's Sheriff" by Larry King and won his second term as sheriff uncontested. Many predicted that Carona was on the path to becoming lieutenant governor or a California Senator. 

In January 2008, Carona officially resigned as sheriff of Orange County so that he could focus on his trial. 

(Source: LA Times) 

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