ORANGE COUNTY IN BANKRUPTCY : Raabe Trial Unlikely to Start Before 1996, Attorney Says

A defense lawyer predicted Friday that the criminal trial for Orange County’s former assistant treasurer will not begin before next year because of the complexity of the case.

Attorney Gary M. Pohlson made his comments after a judge agreed it was too soon to set a trial date in the case against Matthew Raabe, charged with six felony counts of securities fraud and misappropriating public funds in connection with the county’s investment pool collapse.

Raabe was ordered to appear again before Orange County Superior Court Judge Everett W. Dickey on July 21 to schedule further proceedings.

Pohlson said the case could generate as many as 30 to 40 motions, including a planned effort by Raabe to have the trial moved to another county.

“We will not be in trial this year,” Pohlson said outside court.

Pohlson said he did not know yet when the change-of-venue motion would be filed.

The case was assigned to Dickey’s court after Superior Court Judge John J. Ryan removed himself last week, citing a conflict of interest because he has retirement funds tied up in the county bankruptcy. Dickey does not have retirement funds in the pool.

Dickey said he will not set a trial date until lawyers on both sides are ready.

Raabe was second in command to former Treasurer-Tax Collector Robert L. Citron, whose risky investment strategies lost nearly $1.7 billion. The county filed for bankruptcy Dec. 6. Citron, who pleaded guilty to similar charges, faces up to 14 years in prison.