Attorney Seized in Bribe Case

A deputy Los Angeles city attorney was arrested Thursday for allegedly soliciting sexual favors from a female defendant in return for promising to help her obtain a lighter sentence.

George Schwartz, a prosecutor for 10 years, was booked at Parker Center Jail on suspicion of soliciting a bribe from the 18-year-old woman, who was awaiting trial on forgery charges, according to the district attorney’s office.

Schwartz, 42, of Canoga Park, allegedly phoned the woman earlier this month and offered to recommend leniency for her in return for sex. The woman, whose name was not released, told her attorney, who directed her to authorities.

“He is alleged to have solicited a bribe,” said Deputy Dist. Atty. Herb Lapin. Lapin declined to reveal the details of the investigation that led to Schwartz’s arrest, other than to say it involved police undercover work.

Schwartz allegedly twice arranged to meet the woman at a San Fernando Valley shopping center, first on Tuesday and then on Wednesday, when their conversations were recorded by police.

Schwartz was arrested at the Van Nuys Courthouse on Thursday as he was leaving for lunch.

City Atty. James K. Hahn on Thursday took the first step toward firing Schwartz by placing him on paid leave from his $65,918-a-year job pending a disciplinary hearing on his dismissal.

Schwartz, who was released on $3,000 bail, will be arraigned Sept. 22 in Los Angeles Municipal Court. Schwartz could not be reached for comment.