Suit Against D.A. Moved to County

For the third time, a libel suit against Dist. Atty. Michael D. Bradbury was moved Wednesday to a new jurisdiction: Ventura County Superior Court.

And attorneys hinted that the suit may be moved yet again before it goes to trial.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Gary Spencer sued Bradbury and four of his staff members in Los Angeles County Superior Court last March. The suit accuses the Ventura County prosecutor of defamation, libel, slander, infliction of emotional distress against Spencer, and civil rights violations.

Spencer was the deputy who shot and killed millionaire Donald P. Scott during a fruitless drug raid on Scott’s Malibu-area ranch Oct. 2, 1992.

Bradbury issued a widely publicized, 64-page report exonerating Spencer in the shooting because Scott was waving a gun at the time.

But Bradbury’s report also said that Spencer may have lied to get a search warrant for the 200-acre Trail’s End Ranch, and it made other negative comments about his character.

Attorneys for Bradbury and Spencer agreed to move the case to Kern County Superior Court to avoid claims of conflict of interest.

But after hearing early arguments and even making some rulings, Kern County Superior Court Judge Stephen P. Gildner kicked the case back to Los Angeles County last month, saying he lacked the time and resources to hear it.

Glen M. Reiser, Bradbury’s attorney, argued the case should be heard where the shooting took place and the report was issued: Ventura County.

And on Wednesday, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Thomas Schneider ordered the case sent there.

However, Spencer’s attorneys have argued that the case belongs in Los Angeles County.

Attorney Carol Janssen said Wednesday she will discuss with Spencer the possibility of asking Ventura County to refer the case to the California Judicial Council for assignment to a neutral court. She declined further comment.