The State - News from Jan. 23, 1987

The chairman of Tulare County’s Board of Supervisors ran away from newspaper photographers after his arraignment on a 15-count indictment charging misappropriation of more than $76,000 in public funds and perjury. Ben Webb sprinted from the Visalia courts building to a motor pool office, nearly colliding with at least one photographer. The 15-count indictment charges Webb with eight felony counts of misappropriating funds, four felony counts of perjury and three misdemeanor counts of conflict of interest. Webb’s attorney, James Heusdens of Porterville, said his client will be cleared. “He’s an honest man, and I’m confident he will be exonerated and will be able to carry out his job,” Heusdens said.