Trial of Mayor’s Wife on Sex Charges to Begin
The wife of Pasadena Mayor Chris Holden is scheduled to go on trial as early as today on six felony charges of unlawful sex with two teenagers, after a judge rejected a request for a delay.
An attorney for Michelle E. Holden had asked for more time to examine evidence related to allegations made by the mayor and his father, Los Angeles City Councilman Nate Holden, that a Sheriff’s Department official asked for money to make the case “go away.” The men said they were told that if money was paid, key witnesses would not appear at the trial.
A Pasadena Superior Court rejected the request last week, allowing the trial to begin within the next 10 days, officials said.
A Sheriff’s Department investigation into the allegations has been forwarded to prosecutors. Although the Holdens did not identify the sheriff’s official, he has denied the allegations, calling them a smoke screen to divert attention from the case.
Michelle Holden, 35, has pleaded not guilty.
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