Compton : New Delay in Bribery Trial

There has been another postponement in the bribery trial of former Compton Community College Trustee Carl E. Robinson Sr., accused nearly a year ago of soliciting $500 from a West Covina accountant who does business with the two-year institution. Superior Court Judge Marsha N. Revel decided last week to delay setting the trial date until May 1, in part so that Robinson’s lawyer--Deputy Public Defender Charles A. Klum--won’t have to interrupt plans for a vacation, according to Deputy Dist. Atty. Thomas A. Gray.

Robinson, 51, was arrested outside a Wilmington restaurant last March 21 after accepting the cash from accountant Rolland Boceta. Robinson has pleaded innocent, contending that the money was a legitimate campaign contribution.

At the time of his arrest, Robinson was president of the five-member college board. But he was defeated at the polls last fall by three votes. He is challenging the election, however, in a civil suit against winning candidate James E. Carter. Trial in that case is set for March 21.