Rubino’s Family Asking County to Pay Legal Bills

Friends and relatives of former Orange County Budget Director Ronald S. Rubino are lobbying the Orange County Board of Supervisors to pay Rubino’s legal fees as he faces criminal charges in connection with the county bankruptcy.

The county is not obligated to pay defense costs for current or former county employees. Doing so has been politically touchy for the supervisors, who feel an obligation to colleagues but also face the public’s wrath for using taxpayer money to defend those blamed for the bankruptcy.

The Board of Supervisors voted last month to pay lawyers to defend Supervisors William G. Steiner and Roger R. Stanton and Auditor-Controller Steve E. Lewis, who all facing civil misconduct charges of failing to oversee the management of the county’s investment pool.

Former Treasurer-Tax Collector Robert L. Citron’s financial management of the pool ultimately lost $1.64 billion and plunged the county into bankruptcy.

The board has refused, however, to pay the legal expenses of Citron and his top assistant, Matthew Raabe. Both are accused of six felony counts of securities fraud and misappropriation of funds. Citron has plead guilty and faces sentencing in February. Raabe is fighting the charges against him.

The board has yet to decide whether to pay for Rubino’s defense costs. Rubino’s attorney did not return a phone call Tuesday seeking comment.

In the meantime, friends and relatives have been writing letters asking for board members’ support. During Tuesday’s board hearing, Rubino’s friend also asked the board to pay the tab. Board members did not respond to the request.