Ex-Purchasing Chief Guilty in Port District Scam

The former purchasing director for the San Diego Unified Port District was convicted Wednesday of conspiring to defraud the district as part of an elaborate scheme.

After 2 1/2 days of deliberations, the San Diego Superior Court jury found Richard Miles Cersosimo, 49, of El Cajon, guilty of all four counts. He was also convicted of a second conspiracy count, grand theft, and misappropriation of public funds.

Deputy Dist. Atty. David Cox said Cersosimo could be sentenced to a maximum of six years in state prison. Cox said he did not know whether he will request a prison term or restitution to the Port District on terms of probation.

Judge Norbert Ehrenfreund allowed Cersosimo to remain free on his own recognizance until the sentencing hearing Jan. 19.

Cersosimo was one of seven people charged in the scheme, which cost the Port District $700,000 before it was uncovered several years ago. Phony invoices were prepared through various businesses and billed to the Port District, which routinely paid them. Some defendants received free car repairs and appliances.

Cersosimo denied participating in the conspiracy with the others when he testified last week. His attorney, William Apgar, said he was disappointed with the verdicts.

Cox said his office is pleased with the jury’s decision. “The jury was a very intelligent group, hard-working. They arrived at the correct verdict,” Cox said.

Cersosimo’s trial began Nov. 29 and lasted almost three weeks. The jury began deliberations Friday.

Two other participants, Rudi Michael Enriques, 38, of La Mesa, and Paul Manes, 49, of San Diego, will be sentenced Jan. 17 for conspiracy, grand theft and misappropriation of public funds. Enriques, a former Port District parking meter collector, has been named by the others as the ringleader of the scheme.