San Diego
Embattled attorney Richard Degallegos pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges of mail fraud and contempt of court.
Degallegos, who was indicted by a federal grand jury, entered his plea before U. S. Magistrate Barry Ted Moskowitz. Degallegos’ alleged accomplice, June Lee Boothby, also pleaded not guilty to charges that she illegally obtained a $100,000 loan from a federally insured lending institution.
The federal indictment charged Degallegos with using the mail to defraud clients by diverting money obtained from lawsuit settlements, probated estates and property management for his own use.
Bail for Degallegos was set at $100,000 and at $20,000 for Boothby. The couple were ordered to appear before U. S. District Judge John S. Rhoades at 9 a.m. Monday. Rhoades is expected to decide whether Degallegos and Boothby should be represented by court-appointed attorneys.
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