THOUSAND OAKS : Former Fire Official Avoids Drug Trial
A judge granted the former highest-ranking Fire Department official in the San Fernando Valley permission on Thursday to enroll in a drug treatment program rather than stand trial on a misdemeanor cocaine-buying charge.
Former Assistant Fire Chief James J. Mullen of Thousand Oaks still could be prosecuted if he fails to complete the rehabilitation program, Deputy Los Angeles City Atty. Gary G. Geuss said.
Mullen retired Sept. 30 in the wake of news reports that he had helped a suspected prostitute try to buy drugs from undercover police officers in Van Nuys on Sept. 6 while he was off duty.
Mullen, who spent 31 years with the Fire Department, is charged in Van Nuys Municipal Court with one count of solicitation of another to commit an offense, a misdemeanor that carries a maximum of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Mullen was charged on Oct. 2, nearly one month after the woman who was riding with him in his car was arrested while attempting to buy rock cocaine from officers, police said.
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