Capizzi Says Bankruptcy Cases Had to Be Pursued

Former Dist. Atty. Mike Capizzi on Thursday defended his prosecution of former Assistant Treasurer Matthew R. Raabe, saying the public official would never have been charged with county bankruptcy-related offenses had his office not pursued the case.

Raabe’s convictions were tossed out Tuesday by the 4th District Court of Appeal in Santa Ana, which ruled that he did not receive a fair trial because the prosecution’s case was marred by overwhelming conflicts of interest.

Capizzi said his office proceeded with Raabe’s prosecution only after the state attorney general declined to pursue the matter. Recognizing the potential for a conflict of interest charge, Capizzi said he would have preferred an outside agency prosecute the case. But, he said, none was willing.

Officials from the attorney general’s office were not available to respond to Capizzi’s comments.

Capizzi also disputed the appeals court finding that his office was biased because it suffered cutbacks as a result of the bankruptcy. He also said he didn’t hold any personal grudge against Raabe.

“I had no ax to grind,” he said. “The case was handled fairly, impartially, and professionally.”