PASADENA : Woman’s Lawyer Raises Doubts on Oliver Probe

The attorney for the onetime girlfriend of former Pasadena Police Chief Jerry A. Oliver said he fears an ongoing district attorney’s investigation into whether Oliver repeatedly beat her is not thorough enough and may not result in prosecution.

Joe Hopkins, attorney for Katrina Hammonds, made the remarks Tuesday. He called a news conference at which Hammonds appeared with Jacqueline Miller, who was Oliver’s fourth wife and who alleged in 1992 that he beat her during their 14-month marriage.

“I support Katrina 100%. She’s telling the truth based on my experience,” Miller told The Times.

Oliver, who left Pasadena last month to become chief in Richmond, Va., has strongly denied the abuse allegations and said both women were simply trying to punish him for breaking up with them.

Both women are represented by Hopkins. Neither made any comment as he blasted prosecutors for not contacting Hammonds recently. He said the lack of contact is an indication of disinterest.

The district attorney’s office has refused to even confirm that it is investigating the matter, though several other sources have confirmed that such a probe has been under way.

Hammonds, in a police report last June, alleged Oliver beat her at least seven times in 1993 and 1994, but she later recanted to prosecutors. However, earlier this month she said the allegations are true.