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The Michael Carona corruption case
A federal judge lectures the former Orange County sheriff about honesty and hands down a 51/2-year prison sentence for witness tampering.
Prosecutors cite the 'interests of justice' and the former sheriff's acquittal on most counts in asking the court to end the cases against Deborah Carona and Debra Hoffman.
January 29, 2009
The former top Orange County lawman, once called 'America's sheriff,' is found guilty of witness tampering. Jurors say the statute of limitations was critical to their decision.
Prosecutor singles out segments that he says clearly show the two are referring to bribes paid to the former sheriff.
Defense attorneys portray Don Haidl, the wealthy businessman who testified he bribed Michael Carona and lavished him with gifts, as a liar who received a sweet plea deal.
In closing arguments, the prosecution describes the former O.C. sheriff's alleged corrupt actions. The case could go to the jury today.
Jurors in the case for the former Orange County sheriff are expected to hear excerpts of recordings that prosecutors say capture Carona plotting to cover up gifts from businessman Don Haidl.
The former Orange County sheriff didn't take the stand to answer corruption charges. Jurors get a two-week holiday break.
Called as a defense witness in the former sheriff's corruption case, Tony Rackauckas details his office's handling of the prosecution of an assistant sheriff's son charged with sexual assault.
They call to the stand a retired O.C. sheriff's official who says he doesn't recall a detainee being released at the request of Don Haidl.
As prosecutors prepare to rest their case today, defense attorneys say that scheduling conflicts and legal issues are keeping them from providing a firm list of witnesses.
The former O.C. sheriff's corruption case will proceed, and Debra Hoffman will be tried later. Concerns about secretly recorded conversations played during the trial led to the decision.
Elaine Vasquez, who worked for the former O.C. sheriff, says Carona paid back individuals for meals and reported gifts he received, but not the cash and gifts allegedly given by assistant Don Haidl.
Witness in trial of former O.C. Sheriff Michael S. Carona says he doesn't recall donations or didn't know about them. 'I'm not saying it never happened,' he testifies.
Defense attorney suggests that Haidl missed opportunities during his conversations with the former sheriff to draw out incriminating statements.
Don Haidl, at the corruption trial of the former Orange County sheriff, testifies that he used a 'get-out-of-jail-free card' to get a drunk driving suspect freed. Others recall events differently.
Informant describes how the ex-sheriff repeatedly reassured him that they would get away with bribery.
Donald Haidl says the former O.C. sheriff offered to act as go-between with the district attorney's office after the businessman's son was accused of raping a 16-year-old in Newport Beach in 2002.
At the former O.C. sheriff's corruption trial, the Newport Beach millionaire says shields for volunteer reserves were linked to campaign contributions.
At the corruption trial of the former O.C. sheriff, Haidl, a Newport Beach businessman, says he gave Carona and his assistant, George Jaramillo, $1,000 a month each for several years.
On the witness stand, former Assistant Sheriff Donald Haidl testifies that he raised thousands of unreported campaign dollars for Carona with his blessing.
The former O.C. sheriff's wife and mistress have been in court at his corruption trial as details of his sex life have been presented.
The wife of former Assistant Sheriff George Jaramillo testifies about the former Orange County sheriff and his mistress. She apologizes to Deborah Carona from the stand.
A friend of Debra Hoffman, Carona's former mistress, says the lovers opened a bank account 'to hide money from everybody.' Other witnesses describe an alleged money laundering scheme.
Prosecutors say Michael S. Carona, accused of misusing the sheriff's office, was driven by greed. Defense lawyers say the government's star witnesses were the swindlers.
The seating of 12 jurors clears the way for opening statements Wednesday. The former Orange County sheriff is charged with misusing his office to enrich himself, his wife and a former mistress.
Lawyers for the former Orange County sheriff said Brett Sagel should be disqualified as prosecutor because he was essential as a witness.
Orange County case will include themes of greed, infidelity and corrupted friendships. Prosecutors' witness list of more than 100 people is expected to be a who's who of local power circles.
Attorneys for the former Orange County sheriff unsuccessfully argue that evidence about the $15,000 Cartier watch given to Carona's wife by a millionaire businessman would unfairly prejudice the jury.
Orange County's former sheriff is due in court later this month to face charges of conspiracy, mail fraud and witness tampering.
A lawyer for Hoffman says disclosing the nature of her connection with the former Orange County sheriff is unnecessary and prejudicial. The judge hasn't decided.
Jones Day, one of the nation's top law firms, would not say. Pro bono work is usually reserved for society's most vulnerable -- the indigent, the homeless, the infirm. Discuss
Michael S. Carona has been on a 60-day paid leave of absence to prepare for his defense since being charged with corruption.
CARONA UNDER SCRUTINY
Carona has spoken openly about seeking the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor amid speculation that the Bush administration might first tap him for a high-level post.
CARONA UNDER SCRUTINY
Two of his former aides are facing criminal prosecution. Federal agents have subpoenaed his financial and administrative records. State investigators are examining his conduct with women.
CARONA UNDER SCRUTINY
Campaign cash, rape probe could harm Carona's plans
California considers whether lawyers' services can legally be donated to the elected Orange County sheriff.
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