Ethics panel to delay its investigation of Sen. Calderon
SACRAMENTO -- The state Senate’s ethics panel will delay its investigation into Sen. Ronald S. Calderon to avoid interfering with a federal prosecution of the lawmaker on corruption charges, the panel’s chairman said Tuesday.
The Senate Legislative Ethics Committee announced the change after it met behind closed doors Tuesday to look into whether Calderon’s actions violated Senate standards that would require his suspension or expulsion from the Senate.
Calderon on Sunday took a paid leave of absence to prepare his defense against federal charges that he accepted nearly $100,000 in bribes from an undercover FBI agent and medical company owner to affect legislation on film tax credits and workers’ compensation charges.
Sen. Richard D. Roth (D-Riverside) said Tuesday that the ethics panel he chairs will stand down for now.
“In light of the very broad scope of the federal criminal indictment of Sen. Ron Calderon, and to ensure the Senate Legislative Ethics Committee takes no action that would impede the work of the U.S. attorney, the committee will continue to monitor the judicial process to ensure justice is served,” Roth said in a statement.
“The committee is also reviewing the Senate’s ethics standards, policies and procedures for the investigation of alleged ethics violations.”
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