Trial of Campaign-Violation Case Postponed

The trial of Republican activist Rhonda Carmony on misdemeanor charges stemming from a 1991 City Council race in Diamond Bar was indefinitely postponed Wednesday at the request of her attorney.

Attorney Creighton Laz said the pending trial on six misdemeanor violations of the state Political Reform Act should be subordinate to the three felony election fraud charges she faces.

Carmony was indicted March 21 on felony charges that she was involved in a Republican scheme to place a Democrat on the primary ballot for the 67th Assembly District to siphon votes from a popular Democratic candidate.

Laz said he is reviewing evidence in the felony case and is still assessing his client’s options.

“Both cases are related to politics and should be handled together, if possible,” Laz said.

Prosecutor John Anderson objected to the delay in the misdemeanor case, which stems from a campaign mailer sent in a Diamond Bar City Council election.

Anderson said that the misdemeanor case is 4 years old and that the charges were filed last Sept. 22.

“He has had plenty of time to get ready,” Anderson said.

Municipal Court Judge Ed Laird agreed with Laz and set a June 5 hearing, when the court may set a trial date.

Carmony, campaign manager for Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Huntington Beach), is due in Superior Court on Monday for arraignment on the three felony counts.