Robbins Becomes ‘Subject’ of Capitol Corruption Probe

Sen. Alan Robbins (D-Tarzana) has become a subject of the federal grand jury investigation into political corruption at the state Capitol, according to sources familiar with the probe.

Investigators from the FBI and the Internal Revenue Service have been gathering voluminous records to determine whether a criminal case can be brought against the veteran lawmaker, these sources indicate.

Last week, the grand jury subpoenaed files from at least six Senate committees concerning more than 120 bills--more than 50 of which were personally carried by Robbins.

The lawmaker denied that he was “a target” of the investigation Wednesday.

“I have been advised by the U.S. attorney that I am not a target of the investigation,” Robbins declared. “And I told the U.S. attorney’s office that I would make my statement on this public.”

Sources close to Robbins said that in May he sent a strongly worded letter to U.S. Atty. David F. Levi, who heads the 3 1/2-year-old corruption investigation. In the letter, Robbins asked that Levi make it clear that the lawmaker had turned down money offered him by an FBI informant seeking help in passing a special-interest bill that was part of an elaborate sting operation.

Levi, however, has steadfastly refused to comment publicly on Robbins’ status.

“I just can’t comment,” Levi said Wednesday. “I can’t discuss it.”

Robbins’ role in the investigation has been a puzzle ever since the investigation first came to light last August when FBI agents armed with search warrants raided the Capitol offices of four legislators and two aides. At the time, Robbins--whose office was not searched--said that he talked to the agents, but only to assist them.

Robbins’ status, however, has changed over the last 10 months, according to sources. Earlier, investigators were “not sure” whether they would pursue a full-scale investigation of Robbins’ conduct, said one source familiar with the case.

But other sources now say that Robbins has become “a subject” of the investigation.

Federal prosecutors distinguish between “a subject” of a grand jury investigation--an individual who is being looked at for possible criminal activity--and a full-fledged “target”--someone the prosecutor believes he has probable cause to indict. The sources say that Robbins is in the first category.

Last month, The Times quoted legislative sources saying that Robbins had cooperated with prosecutors and testified before a grand jury about fellow Democrat, Sen. Joseph B. Montoya of Whittier, who was indicted last month on charges that he used his office to extort money from those seeking his help in the Legislature.

This week, Montoya pleaded not guilty to 10 counts of extortion, racketeering and money laundering. A former aide, Amiel A. Jaramillo pleaded not guilty to 3 counts of extortion and racketeering in a related case. Two other public officials--Yolo County Sheriff Rod Graham and his former top deputy, Wendell Luttrull--have also been indicted. Graham has pleaded innocent; Luttrull pleaded guilty and is cooperating with authorities.

One source familiar with the investigation said there has been no indication of when the next indictment will be, but it is not likely to be very soon.

Even as Montoya and Jaramillo made their initial court appearances this week, legislative aides were busy responding to subpoenas by gathering additional records in what appears to be a widening investigation of legislative conduct.

Subpoenas were served last Thursday on at least six Senate committees--judiciary, elections, transportation, health, banking and education.

The grand jury last Wednesday issued subpoenas for committee records of more than 50 bills authored by Robbins on subjects as diverse as dissecting frogs, disability insurance, Metro Rail construction, driver education, interstate banking and the credentials of those who teach young actors on movie sets.

Earlier in its investigation, the grand jury subpoenaed other Robbins legislative files as well as extensive campaign and personal financial records.

Several of the bills subpoenaed last week concern issues of wide public importance. Others were much more narrowly focused, like several bills dealing with pets. One bill would have required that a pet owner’s telephone be included on the animal’s license tag, so that the owner could be called if the pet were lost. The measure died in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

A source close to Robbins quotes the lawmaker as saying in connection with the pet bill: “What are they investigating me for, extortion of a German shepherd for taking his flea collar away from him?”

But other bills were of greater significance.

For example, legislative records were also subpoenaed for a bill that would limit the liability of a corporation’s board of directors. Like several of Robbins’ bills that are of interest to the grand jury, the measure died in committee.

One measure that did pass during the 1985-86 legislative session helped open up California to out-of-state banks. Another required that 15% of state and local funds used to build the Metro Rail be spent in the San Fernando Valley.