Prosecutor, 11 Others Enter Not-Guilty Pleas
Bryan Ray Kazarian, a deputy Orange County prosecutor indicted on conspiracy charges for his alleged involvement in an elaborate drug and money-laundering ring, pleaded not guilty Monday to the federal charges against him.
Kazarian, 35, of Aliso Viejo, is the first county prosecutor in memory to be charged with a felony. His trial is scheduled for Aug. 10 in U.S. District Court in Santa Ana. He faces 10 years to life in prison if convicted.
Kazarian and 11 other defendants, including alleged ringleader John David Ward, 28, of Orange and Howard Irvine Coones, 44, of Garden Grove, founder of the local chapter of the Hells Angels, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Arthur Nakazato. All pleaded not guilty.
Shortly after entering his plea, Kazarian, who is being held without bail, was led out by deputy U.S. marshals. He waved to his wife, mother and other family members as he passed them.
According to authorities, Kazarian, who joined the district attorney’s office six years ago, leaked sensitive law enforcement information to Ward. According to court documents, FBI agents intercepted cell phone conversations in which Kazarian allegedly talked to Ward about an investigation of another alleged member of the drug ring.
Assistant U.S. Atty. James Spertus said in court that he did not expect the government’s case to take longer than 15 days to present.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
