Judge Rejects More Penalties for Ex-Official
A judge Monday declined to add to former City Councilwoman Valerie Stallings’ punishment for taking unreported gifts from Padres owner John Moores.
The judge rendered the decision after receiving pleas on Stallings’ behalf from a congressman, a former state senator, a prominent scientist and two Catholic priests.
Last week, Superior Court Judge Wayne Peterson indicated his intention to place Stallings on probation, which would have meant she could be prosecuted over the gifts if she broke any additional laws.
After reading letters supporting her, Peterson said Stallings had “paid the highest price an elected official could pay, the loss of her job.” Under a plea bargain, Stallings, 61, resigned last week before pleading guilty to two misdemeanors.
Her attorneys argued that putting Stallings on probation would amount to a “scarlet letter.” Rep. Bob Filner (D-San Diego), former state Sen. Lucy Killea (I-San Diego), and Salk Institute cancer researcher Ian Trowbridge sent letters to Peterson asking that probation not be imposed.
“The shame she carries over this situation will always be with her,” Filner wrote.
Stallings pleaded guilty last week to taking unreported gifts from Moores and continuing to vote on issues related to a proposed Padres ballpark.
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