Deputy Paid for Boat in Cash, Witness Testifies

Testimony continued Thursday in the trial of seven Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies accused of money-skimming, with several witnesses saying one deputy spent at least $45,000 in cash on a boat, jewels and assorted cashier’s checks during a 12-month period.

The owner of a boat dealership testified that Deputy Ronald E. Daub purchased a $17,668 boat in July, 1988, and within eight days paid for it in cash. Two other witnesses testified that Daub bought more than $26,000 in cashier’s checks between July 25, 1988, and July 10, 1989.

In the same time period, the owner of a Puente Hills jewelry store testified that Daub and his wife dealt primarily in cash when they bought jewelry, including a ruby and diamond necklace costing $11,389.

Prosecutors are attempting to show how the defendants disposed of some of the $1.4 million they allegedly stole from drug dealers and money launderers. The prosecution is expected to rest its case today.