Deputy D.A. Investigated for Campaign Actions

Officials at the state attorney general’s office confirmed they are reviewing allegations that Orange County Deputy Dist. Atty. Scott Steiner used his office computer to campaign for a seat on the Orange City Council.

Steiner allegedly used government equipment to send campaign e-mail, compile a list of contributors, and draft political fliers and debate notes. The matter was referred to the attorney general by county Dist. Atty. Tony Rackauckas, who endorsed Steiner in his bid for a seat on the Orange City Council in a special election Tuesday.

A Steiner spokesman said, “This is the kind of gotcha politics that has been detrimental to people seeking public office in Orange County,” Frank Caterinicchio said. “You exchange an e-mail with a co-worker and people are all of a sudden accusing you of all sorts of illegal things.”