Laguna Official Enters Plea
Laguna Beach Councilman Wayne Baglin pleaded not guilty Friday to a felony conflict-of-interest charge that stems from his work as a real estate broker on behalf of the sellers of two properties the city bought last year.
Baglin stood next to his attorney, Michael Molfetta, during a brief appearance at Orange County Superior Court in Santa Ana as Judge Ronald P. Kreber accepted the plea and ordered him to return to court Jan. 13 so a trial date could be set.
Baglin refused to comment afterward, referring all questions to his attorney.
Asked whether his client was open to a plea bargain, Molfetta said “only if it includes dismissal” of the charge, which he maintains is baseless.
Prosecutors have declined to comment on the case.
Baglin, in the middle of a four-year term, held the mayor’s seat when he was indicted Oct. 31, a day after five city officials testified before a grand jury convened by the Orange County district attorney.
He resumed his role as a councilman Tuesday when Councilwoman Toni Iseman was appointed mayor as part of the city’s annual rotation.
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