Keith Pleads Not Guilty on 13 Counts
A key figure in the corruption investigation of Orange County fireworks magnate W. Patrick Moriarty pleaded innocent in Los angeles Federal Court to 13 counts of evading taxes, making a false declaration of bankruptcy and making fasle statements to a federally insured bank. After the plea by Richard Raymond Keith, 47, of Cathedral City, a trial date of March 19 was set by U.S. District Judge Terry J. Hatter Jr. Keith said he is cooperating with authorities in the Moriarty probe and claimed last week that he helped arrange prostitutes for legislators, local Southen California politicians and bank officials on Moriarty’s behalf.
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