D.A.’s Machinations

I am appalled by the unfounded accusations being leveled at Judge Lawrence Storch by the district attorney. It seems odd to me that Mr. Bradbury would wait until his office was aware of Judge Storch’s intent to leave the criminal department before he had the nerve to publicly challenge his decisions. The timing of this challenge is obviously related to Mr. Bradbury’s support of the candidacy of Colleen (Toy) White for a judicial office. Mr. Bradbury will, no doubt, use these manufactured charges of leniency to seek support for his “law and order” candidate.

Judge Storch is one of the finest jurists on our bench. He has had a long and distinguished career and does not deserve to be treated in this fashion. I have known Judge Storch personally and professionally for many years and know him to be a dedicated and qualified judge.

I find it very interesting that the district attorney offered the defendant a “plea bargain” to manslaughter in the same case they are now claiming as the basis for their decision to challenge Judge Storch on future cases. The last time I checked, manslaughter was a less severe crime than murder. If they felt that first-degree murder was the only appropriate charge, why the “plea bargain”?

As an attorney and civil litigator, I and my colleagues welcome the opportunity to have Judge Storch on the civil bench once again. I am only sorry that Mr. Bradbury has taken this cheap shot at the conclusion of the wonderful career of Judge Storch.

BECKY R. MCCARTHY

Camarillo