FULLERTON : Former Official’s Sentencing Delayed

A North Municipal Court judge on Thursday postponed sentencing for former Yorba Linda finance director Charles Gordon Vessey to allow the judge more time to review a letter from the defendant’s therapist.

Vessey, 42, was to have been sentenced on charges stemming from his arrest in June for selling two ounces of methamphetamine to a police informant. He pleaded no contest to the charges in August.

However, Judge David T. McEachen said he received a letter from St. Joseph Hospital, where Vessey underwent voluntary drug rehabilitation after he was released from custody.

“The court wants to further discuss (the letter) with the district attorney” and Vessey’s attorney, McEachen said.

Edward Munoz, Vessey’s attorney, later said McEachen wanted to “explore what was uncovered during Vessey’s therapy sessions.”

Vessey faces a maximum of eight months in prison when he is sentenced Oct. 26.

Outside court, Vessey said his drug use began about six months ago after the breakup of his 21-year marriage. After he was arrested and released in June, Vessey said he immediately entered a drug rehabilitation program at St. Joseph Hospital. Although he is continuing in therapy, he said he is no longer using drugs.

Vessey was employed by the city for 20 years and was the finance director from 1984 until he resigned after his arrest.