Dymally Hires Felon Convicted of Election Fraud as Field Representative

Assemblyman Mervyn M. Dymally (D-Compton) has hired a senior field representative with seven felony electoral fraud convictions who prosecutors say has violated his probation by engaging in political activity.

Richard Mayer, whose convictions stem from a failed run for South Gate City Council, acts as Dymally’s representative at civic events and meetings in the district, which spans much of southeast Los Angeles County.

Under a term of his five-year probation, Mayer is prohibited from taking part in politics. At a hearing next month, prosecutors will ask a judge to find Mayer in violation of his probation.

“The occupation that he has now amounts to political activity,” said Deputy Dist. Atty. Marcia Daniel.

Dymally, a former lieutenant governor and congressman who was elected in 2002 to represent the 52nd District, did not return calls seeking comment.

Mayer’s attorney, Glen Jonas, called Dymally a “stand-up guy” for giving Mayer a second chance. Jonas said Mayer is a valuable resource of information and experience; he said the job doesn’t involve political activity.

“Rich Mayer should be applauded for his efforts to work and be a productive member of society,” Jonas said.

Mayer, a former director of the Central Basin Municipal Water District, was found guilty in 2001 of perjury for lying about his place of residence to qualify for the South Gate ballot. He was sentenced to six months in county jail and 500 hours of community service.

Dymally’s hiring of Mayer angered some residents of the district, which includes Compton, Paramount and Watts.

Fred Cressel, a former Compton councilman, said hiring a convicted felon with taxpayer funds sends the wrong message.

“I think it’s a slap in the face to the community,” he said. “Is that an encouragement to our children, that you can do anything you want, and then go to work in high positions?”

Mayer, reached by telephone at Dymally’s field office in Compton, declined to comment.

During his probation, he has been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If found in violation of his probation, Mayer could face penalties ranging from community service to jail time.

Mayer’s relationship with the assemblyman dates to the mid-1990s, when Dymally backed Mayer’s successful run for a seat on the Central Basin Municipal Water District.

In 2000, Mayer ran for the South Gate City Council, even though he lived in Boyle Heights. At his trial, Mayer said he hadn’t knowingly lied -- that he had thought politicians were allowed “political” addresses.

The jury convicted him on all seven counts for lying about his residence on nomination forms, a voter registration card and a driver’s license application.

Dymally hired Mayer for the $2,000 per month post in January, according to state payroll information. Dymally’s office did not provide details about the nature of Mayer’s work. In general, however, field representatives act as Assembly members’ community liaisons. Their duties range from attending community meetings and answering mail to doing research and responding to constituent concerns. They also can help draft legislation.

Mayer and Dymally have weathered controversies over the years. Mayer was criticized for running up his expenses during his stint as a water district director. Dymally has been the target of corruption investigations for influence peddling and alleged misuse of public funds, though he never has been charged.

In Compton’s election earlier this week, Dymally endorsed two candidates -- Amen Rahh and Delores Zurita -- who have been charged with misusing taxpayer funds. Both candidates lost, according to preliminary election results.

Times staff writer Nancy Vogel contributed to this report.