The Region - News from Jan. 3, 1985

A mistrial motion in the conspiracy and perjury trial of San Diego Mayor Roger Hedgecock was denied by Superior Court Judge William Todd. Defense attorney Michael Pancer had asked for the mistrial on grounds that sudden introduction of witness Harvey Schuster--a real estate investor expected to testify that Hedgecock knew money from the now-bankrupt J. David & Co. investment firm was being funneled into his 1983 mayoral campaign in violation of election laws--constitutes “prejudicial surprise” that could be fatal to Hedgecock’s case. He cited discovery laws that prevent withholding of key evidence or witnesses until it is too late to prepare a defense. But prosecutors said they notified Pancer of Schuster’s anticipated testimony last week after he revealed in a Dec. 18 interview that he had personal knowledge of some of the mayor’s financial activities.