Chula Vista Lawyer Rips Prosecutor for Performance in Smith Rape Trial

Chula Vista lawyer George J. Schultz took it until he couldn’t take it anymore.

He faxed a scalding letter Tuesday to Moira K. Lasch, prosecutor in the William Kennedy Smith trial.

The opening:

“As a reasonably experienced trial attorney of approximately 15 years, I was absolutely horrified to watch your cross-examination of William Smith. It clearly was some of the most unprepared, ill-conceived cross-examination I have ever had the misfortune to witness. Both the public and the victim in this matter deserve a fair shake--none was given by your performance.”

The middle:

“Clearly in a case of this high profile, a better performance was warranted. It appeared as if you were almost surprised at Mr. Smith’s primary defense that sex was consensual.”

The clincher:

“Intensive preparation ... is something that anyone could do. At least by outward appearances, you did not do that.”

So who is this guy George J. Schultz anyway?

He’s done criminal defense and civil work and sued attorneys for malpractice. Including winning a $750,000 settlement for a woman who claimed that a San Diego judge botched her divorce when he was an attorney.

“I’m not shy about being critical of lawyers,” Schultz said. “I’m a lawyer who is not particularly proud of the legal system.”

The jury’s innocent verdict Wednesday confirmed Schultz’s view that Lasch did a lame job. He says she confirmed “every stereotype of female prosecutors” as dullards who are out of touch with real life.

He points to Lasch’s attempt to undermine Smith by acting incredulous at his testimony that he was able to have sex twice in one hour: “This is the 1990s. Where has this woman been living?”

In the unkindest cut of all, Schultz (who represented Chargers running back Marion Butts during his contract holdout) calls Lasch “a Dan Henning type.”

That’s Dan Henning, hapless but stubborn coach of the 3-wins, 11-losses, going-nowhere San Diego Chargers.

“She had a game plan she was going to stick to,” Schultz said, “despite what anyone else did.”

Life, Death, Lawsuit

Stop, look and listen.

* Kathy Stanewich, widow of Sheriff’s Deputy Mike Stanewich, is said to be shopping for an attorney to sue the Sheriff’s Department over her husband’s death.

But she is finding lawyers are unwilling to sign on because they don’t think she has a case. The department has concluded that Stanewich was killed by a fellow deputy while robbing an Olivenhain family last July.

* Chargers defensive lineman Burt Grossman has provided $2,500 to keep an annual basketball tournament afloat at San Dieguito High School in Encinitas.

Last spring he contributed $1,400 to a fund-raiser for a El Cajon family in crisis.

Grossman, who is suffering a less-than-stellar season, says he’s a soft touch for appeals:

“I can never say no to anybody. It’s just that nobody ever asks. Even when I was good, nobody asked me.”

* The controversy continues over the rowdy Las Vegas convention of the San Diego-based Tailhook Assn.

The Navy is still investigating. The tabloid TV show “Hard Copy” on Wednesday broadcast a sizzling interview with a Spring Valley woman who says she was mauled by pilots exposing themselves and screaming, “Bring back the bitch!”

Meanwhile, those who want the Navy to reverse its decision to cut ties with Tailhook are waiting for a decent interval before making their pitch.

* The Chargers will try anything for luck.

Saturday night, the team will truck to San Diego’s Prego Ristorante for a “carbo-load” dinner before Sunday’s game with the Miami Dolphins.

Chef Jeff Burt expects to dish up 50 pounds-plus of pasta. Along with antipasti, Caesar salad, mineral water and, for dessert, tiramisu (lady-finger cookies soaked in espresso and rum, and topped with whipped cream).

Chargers head trainer Keoki Kamau swears it’s all healthy, high-energy stuff. I want to believe him.

Film at 11?

Memorable media moments.

A 10:30 p.m. “tease” by co-anchor Andrea Naverson for the 11 o’clock news the other night on Channel 8:

“People dressed as giant condoms to make a point. Plus, a singing parrot. All on ‘Nightside.’ ”