Ruling Aids Corruption Inquiry on City Manager

The political corruption probe of Bell Gardens City Manager Maria Chacon has passed a key test after a judge ruled that conflict-of-interest laws could apply to the embattled official.

The ruling, released this week, opens the door for prosecutors to possibly file criminal charges against Chacon, a former council member under investigation for voting for measures that cleared the way for her appointment as city manager.

Last week, the prosecution’s case appeared to be in trouble when Los Angeles Superior Court Judge David Yaffe tentatively ruled that conflict-of-interest laws may not apply in cases of council members who become salaried employees.

Yaffe apparently reconsidered his decision after a prosecutor argued at the June 8 hearing that Chacon may have unlawfully influenced fellow Bell Gardens council members to vote for her appointment.