SIMI VALLEY : Trial Scheduled May 21 for Elys

Following months of delay, a trial is scheduled to begin May 21 for Ventura County Community College Trustee James T. (Tom) Ely and his wife, Ingrid.

Tom Ely is charged with conspiracy, embezzlement and fraud in connection with the filing of allegedly false travel claims with the district. Ingrid Ely is charged with conspiracy.

On Friday, Superior Court Judge Lawrence Storch set the trial date after he was assured by Ely’s attorney, James Farley, that the trustee would be well enough to attend court proceedings.

The trial had been delayed several times because a back injury has made it difficult for Ely to sit for long periods of time.

According to a letter from the trustee’s doctor, Ely, of Simi Valley, must be allowed to periodically stand up and stretch during the trial. He also must be permitted to take his medication during the proceedings. Storch agreed to the terms outlined in the doctor’s letter.

The judge also suggested that Ely bring a comfortable chair from home to sit in.

The Elys have pleaded not guilty to the charges arising from their district expense accounts, which they are accused of padding with more than $15,000 in improper claims for food, travel and lodging between July, 1988, and January, 1990. The district attorney’s office filed the charges against the couple in August.

Tom Ely said he is eager for the trial to begin. “I’m looking forward to it,” he said after the hearing. “We need some vindication. We’ll be able to show our side and get the stigma against us removed.”