BREA : Isles, Developer Hit by Search Warrants

The district attorney’s office Tuesday issued search warrants to Councilman Ron Isles and developer Don McBride as part of an ongoing investigation into their business relationship.

Since February, investigators have been looking into allegations that Isles violated state conflict-of-interest laws when he participated in negotiations to help McBride, a business partner, win a city contract.

Assistant Dist. Atty. Jim Mulgrew said the warrants were issued to help investigators search for documents linking Isles to McBride. “We are trying to establish whether Isles had a financial interest,” Mulgrew said.

Asked about the warrant at Tuesday night’s council meeting, Isles vehemently refused to comment.

“You’re not getting any comment from me--get out of my face,” he said.

According to the warrants, “written, typed or computerized records” showing that a business and financial relationship still exists are being sought.

Isles has said he has separated his partnership from McBride and could not benefit if the city awarded McBride a contract. He said his vote to extend negotiating rights with McBride over the development of a 7.5-acre parcel on Brea Boulevard was an oversight. Both McBride’s and Isles’ business offices and Charter Escrow will be searched for evidence that, the warrants say, “show that a felony has been committed and who is responsible for the . . . crime.”

According to the warrant, Charter Escrow handled many of Isles’ and McBride’s business dealings through their joint company, Town and Country Partnership. Giddy Up Inc. and the Hidden Valley Ranch Co., which also are located at Isles’ place of business and in which McBride allegedly has an interest, were also included.

Besides the financial interest, Mulgrew confirmed that investigators are also looking into allegations that Isles served as McBride’s attorney, which could represent another conflict.

Since word of the potential conflict came out, the city has shut down negotiations with McBride over the commercial site. McBride has filed separate lawsuits against the city of Brea and Isles.