Prosecutors Reject Holden Extortion Claim

The district attorney’s office said Thursday that there is insufficient evidence to pursue allegations by Los Angeles City Councilman Nate Holden that a sheriff’s lieutenant attempted to extort money from him and his son, Pasadena Mayor Chris Holden.

The councilman alleged that he and his son were told by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Lt. Ron Williams at a Pasadena restaurant Aug. 26 that there had been rumors of threats against the Holdens. Nate Holden told investigators that Williams had said money could make the threats, as well as a criminal case against Chris Holden’s wife, “go away.”

Michelle Holden is awaiting trial on six felony counts of unlawful sex with a Pasadena teenager.

According to a prosecutor’s report, the restaurant meeting was arranged by Sheriff’s Sgt. Brian Lee at the requested of Williams.

Williams has denied any wrongdoing.