Judge Extends Ban on Paying Robles’ Fees

A judge on Tuesday extended his order barring the city of South Gate from paying the criminal defense fees of Treasurer Albert Robles, who has been charged with making death threats against two state legislators.

Superior Court Judge David P. Yaffe rejected arguments from city attorneys who claimed Robles’ taxpayer-funded defense was justified because his alleged crimes arose from his work as city treasurer.

The taxpayer lawsuit filed by two South Gate businessmen alleges that Robles’ defense fees amounted to a gift of public funds. Legal fees have so far totaled about $300,000, according to Thomas M. Brown, Robles’ attorney.

George B. Newhouse Jr., a city attorney, said an appeal would be considered.