Prosecutor Calls Deputy Out-of-Control, Corrupt

A sheriff’s deputy accused of asking a civilian employee to destroy videotapes of two on-duty confrontations was characterized by a prosecutor Friday as an out-of-control, corrupt cop who should be punished for abusing his badge.

George Kluchonic was depicted by his own attorney as a well-respected, seasoned deputy who has worked his entire career to preserve the integrity of the law.

A Superior Court jury in Santa Ana heard closing arguments and began deliberating on the fifth day of Kluchonic’s trial. He is charged with two misdemeanor counts of evidence destruction for allegedly asking a community service officer to erase two patrol-car videotapes.

Since his arrest, prosecutors have dismissed two cases in which he was expected to testify; two suspects have filed lawsuits; and the public defender’s office is reviewing other cases involving Kluchonic to determine whether to appeal convictions based on his testimony.