Deputy Charged in Theft From Wreck

The arraignment of a sheriff’s deputy, in court Wednesday on charges he took stereo speakers from a fatal car wreck, was continued until April 12.

James Christopher Bridges, 29, of Santa Paula, allegedly stole car speakers valued at about $200 from the car of Raymond Griffin, who was killed last December near Fillmore when his car rolled down an embankment.

If convicted, Bridges faces up to six months in jail, a $1,000 fine or both. He is charged with “misappropriation of lost property,” which is a misdemeanor. He is on paid leave from his patrol job.

“There was an accident, and in the course of that accident the speakers came out of the trunk of the car onto the roadway,” Deputy Dist. Atty. Bill Redmond said. “They were on the road and the deputy allegedly acquired those speakers.”

Redmond declined to provide further details.