Bell Gardens, Cudahy Corruption Probes Stall

The political corruption investigations in Bell Gardens and Cudahy have nearly ground to a halt as prosecutors struggle for access to key documents and witnesses who they say have refused to cooperate.

The logjam comes nearly three months after authorities launched their probes into alleged conflict of interest violations. Authorities suspect the city managers in both cities of unlawfully orchestrating their appointments, possibly with the help of others.

So far prosecutors have charged only Bell Gardens City Manager Maria Chacon, but they have not ruled out filing charges against others.

Authorities said they have been stymied in their efforts to gain information from some city officials who have either refused to be interviewed or set unacceptable conditions, allegations denied by defense attorneys.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Terry Bork said several Cudahy officials have requested immunity in exchange for their cooperation, among them city Treasurer Mison Levi and council members Rosa Miguel and Juan Romo.

Assistant City Manager Aurora Martinez and Romo appeared in front of the Los Angeles County Grand Jury in May, but they refused to answer questions after invoking their right against self-incrimination.

Bork said none of these officials are suspects, and that he is baffled by their unwillingness to offer help.

“There must surely be some responsibility on the part of public servants to be willing to answer questions when there are lawful investigations of corruption,” Bork said.

But attorney Thomas Brown denied that his clients have refused to cooperate. He said some have already been interviewed extensively. Others, he said, fear investigators and will testify only under certain conditions.

He said the the grand jury witnesses refused to answer questions because they were not allowed time to prepare for the proceedings.

Other delays in the investigations stem from legal battles over access to documents seized by authorities in April. Attorneys in both cities say some of the documents--including personnel information and letters--are protected by attorney-client privilege.

They say some of the documents in question regard personnel and litigation that have nothing to do with the investigation and could potentially harm the city. “It would hamper [Bell Gardens officials] from doing their business,” said Mark Geragos, who is representing City Atty. Arnoldo Beltran.

But prosecutors accuse officials of blocking access to public information as well. Because the client is the public in this case, prosecutors want city councils in both cities to waive their privilege.

Cudahy officials are expected to consider the matter next week. The Bell Gardens City Council has yet to address the issue.

Last year, Chacon and Cudahy City Manager George Perez, both former council members, voted for measures that cleared the way for their appointments. Prosecutors allege Chacon unlawfully pressured other council members to go along with her plan.

Perez has not been charged with wrongdoing.