Rackauckas Takes Heat in Computer Case

Government watchdogs are criticizing Orange County Dist. Atty. Tony Rackauckas for his handling of the latest controversy in his office: allegations that a deputy used an office computer on a political campaign.

Rackauckas has not asked the state attorney general to investigate Deputy Dist. Atty. Scott Steiner even though he has routinely handed off other allegations against staff to state prosecutors.

Rackauckas, citing personnel regulations, has declined to comment on allegations that Steiner used his office computer to compile lists of political contributors and to e-mail another prosecutor about campaign strategies.

But county Supervisor Todd Spitzer said Rackauckas told him he is investigating the allegations and might refer the matter to the attorney general. Spitzer said he was concerned about the allegations because his board reviews discipline of county employees. After discussing the matter with Rackauckas, Spitzer withdrew his endorsement of Steiner.

Shirley Grindle, a longtime Orange County political observer and a frequent Rackauckas critic, said the district attorney created a conflict in the Steiner case by using his position to endorse the deputy’s city council bid. “That’s a stupid thing for a district attorney to do,” she said. “Tony Rackauckas may soon cause us to need a separate attorney general’s office in Orange County just to handle all the cases he can’t.”

In 1998 and 1999, Rackauckas accepted $1,500 in political contributions from Steiner’s father--former county Supervisor Bill Steiner, records show. When he took office in 1999, Rackauckas hired Scott Steiner as a deputy prosecutor.

Last year, Rackauckas wrote a political letter endorsing Scott Steiner’s campaign for a seat on the Orange City Council. Steiner lost the election, but is running again--with Rackauckas’ endorsement--against two other candidates in a June 5 special election.

Scott Steiner also received a $250 donation in August from Rackauckas’ wife, Kay, campaign records show.

The Steiner issue comes up as the state attorney general is investigating whether Rackauckas violated any laws by asking staff members to work on a nonprofit charity. Critics have also faulted Rackauckas for removing two investigators from a case involving a friend who was the victim of an alleged extortion plot. The district attorney has strongly denied any wrongdoing.