Search of Former Honda Exec’s Office Called Illegal

James Cardiges’ lawyer argued in federal court in New Hampshire on Friday that the office of the Laguna Hills man, charged in a bribery scheme, was illegally searched by FBI agents last year and that evidence seized then should not be used.

The motion was taken under submission by District Court Judge Joseph DeClerico, who did not say when he expected to rule.

Cardiges, 48, who until 1992 was senior vice president for sales at Torrance-based American Honda Motor Co., has been indicted on federal racketeering, conspiracy, fraud and witness tampering charges. Prosecutors allege that he played a role in a nationwide scheme in which company officials received about $10 million in kickbacks for funneling Honda cars to dealers at a time when the vehicles were in high demand and short supply.

Cardiges is one of three former Honda executives to go on trial in federal court in Concord, N.H., on Feb. 7. Nineteen people--17 former Honda executives and two Honda dealers--have been indicted in the case, and 15 of them have pleaded guilty without trial.

On Friday, Cardiges’ Sherman Oaks attorney, Philip Israels, argued that the search of Cardiges’ office early last year went beyond the scope of the warrant and violated constitutional guarantees of attorney-client confidentiality.