Election Forgery Charged

Orange County prosecutors charged a Costa Mesa councilman Wednesday with two felony counts for allegedly submitting campaign nomination papers with forged signatures before the 1998 and 2000 elections.

The charges cap a lengthy investigation by the district attorney’s office and Costa Mesa police that could result in Councilman Chris Steel losing his seat and facing a three-year prison sentence if convicted.

Although the case involves just two signatures, prosecutors said, the allegations are extremely serious.

“These laws are made to protect the integrity of our electoral system,” said Deputy Dist. Atty. Michael Lubinski. “To compromise or bend the rules would be an injustice.”

Steel blamed the charges on political enemies and said he has sound explanations for the signatures in question.

He vowed to prove his innocence in court.

“I’ve conducted myself and my campaigns within the law,” the councilman said. “I look forward to vindication.”

Steel said he signed a blind woman’s name on his 1998 nomination papers because the woman was having difficulty signing herself.

The councilman also admits allowing a husband to sign his wife’s name on his 2000 nomination papers. The woman, he said, was a longtime supporter who would have signed had she been available.

“Both of those people have signed my nomination papers in the past numerous times,” Steel said. “The D.A. doesn’t have a case on either.”

Prosecutors charged that without the forged signature, Steel would not have qualified for the November ballot. In his nomination papers, Steel indicated each signature was from a registered voter who personally signed the documents.

Candidates for Costa Mesa council seats must file nomination papers with signatures of 20 registered voters living in the city.

The investigation began last year when an activist who had run against Steel told the City Council that two signatures on Steel’s nomination papers appeared to be from the same person.

The next day, Police Chief David L. Snowden began the investigation.

Steel blamed his legal problem in part on his outspoken views on city issues.

Steel has been highly critical of social service charities, which he often referred to as “magnets” for illegal immigrants.

He has also said illegal immigrants drain city resources and overcrowd the schools.

Janice Davidson, a Steel supporter who is chairwoman of Citizens for the Improvement of Costa Mesa, said Steel’s enemies have set him up.

She said a few signatures did look similar, “but I’ll tell you, that’s not the issue. They are after him.”

Others also were stunned that the district attorney was going after Steel on what they see as picayune charges.

“I’ve known Chris for a long time. I’m sure he had no criminal intent,” said Councilman Gary Monahan. “The smallest indiscretion can be jumped on by your political opponents.”

Steel, 60, wearing his ever-present Costa Mesa emblem on the lapel of his blue blazer, pleaded not guilty during a brief court appearance Wednesday afternoon in Santa Ana.

Before he was released, he was fingerprinted and booked at the Orange County Jail. Judge James A. Stotler released Steel without bail pending a June 28 preliminary hearing.

If Steel is convicted, he would automatically be removed from office. The council could then appoint a new member or hold a special election.

The councilman’s 2000 campaign was a spur-of-the-moment effort.

He collected the signatures within three hours and submitted his nomination papers 10 minutes before the 5 p.m. deadline on Aug. 16.

Steel finished first in the November race for two seats, ending a string of 10 failed City Council campaigns.

Heather Somers, a former councilwoman who narrowly lost her reelection bid in that election, would not say whether she believes Steel should be removed.

Steel said he rejected prosecutors’ offer to plead guilty to misdemeanors and give up the seat.

“This is going to cost me a lot of money, but I’m going to fight this for principal,” he said.

Times staff writer Jennifer Mena contributed to this report.