Judge Rules Against Try for Records in Drug Case

A federal prosecutor Tuesday said documents concerning the disposition of drug charges against a former Orange County deputy district attorney should not be made public until March when co-defendants in the case will face trial.

Assistant U.S. Atty. James Spertus, arguing against a motion filed by the Los Angeles Times and the Orange County Register to obtain related court documents, told a federal judge there were “compelling interests” to keep them secret.

“The government is in a terrible position right now,” Spertus said, explaining that even details about the “compelling interests” may jeopardize the case. “Once the trial begins, the press can have the documents.”

In June, a federal grand jury indicted Bryan Ray Kazarian, 35, a six-year veteran of the district attorney’s office, with conspiracy to produce and distribute methamphetamine. According to prosecutors, Kazarian participated in an elaborate drug and money laundering ring and passed on sensitive law enforcement information to the alleged leader of the group, John David Ward, 28.

Ward and four others still face prosecution, but seven defendants including Kazarian have had their cases “disposed” in closed proceedings, Spertus said.

Last month The Times and the Register challenged the sealing of the proceedings.

“It is extremely important that the public review what is going on in the justice system,” argued Alonzo Wickers IV, an attorney representing the newspapers.

U.S. District Judge Gary Taylor is expected to rule within two weeks.