Whittier : D.A. Persists in Dump Case
The district attorney’s office will appeal a decision that prohibits it from prosecuting the City of Whittier on charges of illegally dumping hazardous materials--paint wastes and thinners--in a city yard.
Whittier Municipal Court Judge Herbert Adden ruled last month that it would be a conflict of interest for the district attorney’s office to prosecute the city because of existing contracts between the county and the city. Calling it an “abuse of discretion,” Deputy Dist. Atty. Marcia Strickland said Adden’s ruling would be appealed to Superior Court in Los Angeles. No hearing date has been set for the appeal.
Last week, Adden was expected to set a date for a preliminary hearing but both sides agreed to continue the matter until the appeal has been ruled on. If Adden’s ruling is upheld, prosecution of the case would be turned over to the attorney general’s office.
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