Compton : New Delay in Bribery Trial

The long-pending bribery trial of former Compton Community College Trustee Carl E. Robinson Sr. has been delayed again. At a hearing last week, Superior Court Judge Marsha Revel agreed to wait until March 5 to set a firm trial date, according to Deputy Dist. Atty. Thomas Gray.

Robinson, who has faced criminal charges for 10 months, sought the delay so he could better prepare his defense. For the past several months, he has been without an attorney, but last week Revel directed the public defender’s office to represent him.

Robinson, 51, was arrested last March in the parking lot of a Wilmington restaurant after accepting $500 from West Covina accountant Rolland Boceta, who had recently won a contract to work for the college. Prosecutors contend that Robinson solicited the money as a bribe, but he argues that it was merely a legitimate campaign contribution offered by Boceta.

The criminal charge appeared to work against Robinson last November, when he lost a reelection bid by only three votes to James E. Carter. In December, Robinson filed a lawsuit against Carter, challenging the results of both the general election and a recount. Trial in that case is set for March 21, according to court officials.