Another O.C. Assistant Sheriff to Step Down

A top deputy to Orange County Sheriff Michael S. Carona announced Friday that he will retire next month, becoming the second assistant sheriff in a week to depart abruptly.

Assistant Sheriff Doug Storm, a 32-year veteran who had talked publicly and to colleagues about retiring this winter or next year, will step down Sept. 2, according to a one-page resignation letter he sent to Carona and division commanders.

He gave few reasons for his resignation beyond saying that he is “ready to close this chapter of my life.” Storm follows Assistant Sheriff Pete Gannon who announced last week that he would resign Sept. 1.

The departures come as Carona weathers a series of embarrassments that have tarnished the department, including a public corruption case against former Assistant Sheriff George Jaramillo, and the arrest last week of a reserve deputy who allegedly drew a gun on other golfers on a San Bernardino course.

The sheriff, who faces two challengers in his bid for a third term in next year’s election, could not be reached for comment. Department spokesman Jon Fleischman declined to comment. Michael Schroeder, one of Carona’s attorneys, did not return a call.

Storm, 54, joined the department in 1973 and worked his way up the ranks at the jails and in the investigative and operations divisions. He was appointed assistant sheriff in 1994 by then-Sheriff Brad Gates, who retired in 1998 and urged Storm to run against Carona for sheriff. Storm announced his candidacy but dropped out several weeks later.

Storm did not respond to a request for an interview.

In his resignation letter, he specially thanked Carona, Gates and former Sheriff James A. Musick, and said the highlight of his career had been working with and for “the many quality sworn and professional staff.”

“It’s hard to let go of something you love so much but it’s time to move on and there are so many great memories to cherish,” he wrote.

Gannon, 55, said his resignation was unrelated to problems in the department. He said he wanted to spend more time with his family and surfing.

Bill Campbell, chairman of the Board of Supervisors, said he was caught off guard by Storm’s announcement. Campbell met with Storm and Carona this week to discuss plans for expanding the James A. Musick Branch Jail near Irvine. Campbell said Storm had previously indicated to him that he might retire this winter. “I am surprised by this pushing up in the timing,” Campbell said.

John J. Pitney Jr., professor of government at Claremont McKenna College, said it was unusual for someone of Storm’s position and tenure with government to leave on such short notice. “Abrupt departures are usually not a sign of good morale,” Pitney said.

County Treasurer-Tax Collector John Moorlach said he was surprised Storm hadn’t left sooner. The assistant sheriff, known by county officials as his department’s budget czar, frequently drew praise from county supervisors and criticism from the deputies union for being tight-fisted.

“He’s been a very astute fiscal manager,” Moorlach said. “I don’t know why he stayed on as long as he did but it reflects on his dedication to the county.”

Rocky Hewitt, who retired as an assistant sheriff in 2003, said the timing of Storm’s departure wasn’t unusual for someone who has decided it is time to go. Hewitt said he gave four months’ notice after 37 years on the job, and still misses the place.

“Having worked beside Doug for many, many years, he’s one of the most dedicated individuals I’ve ever known,” said Hewitt, a college teacher. “I talked to Doug today and wished him well.”

The departures of the two seasoned veterans will leave a leadership vacuum at a tumultuous time for the Sheriff’s Department, which has been buffeted the last two years by several controversies.

Jaramillo was fired in March 2004 and was indicted last month on bribery and other charges for allegedly using his position to help a Newport Beach businessman stage demonstrations of an invention. Jaramillo, once a Carona confidant, has pleaded not guilty and sued to get his job back.

Former Assistant Sheriff Don Haidl, a key political fundraiser, resigned last year to focus on the high-profile trial of his son, who was convicted of sexual assault and is awaiting sentencing.

Carona has been fighting with the state’s police credentialing commission over deputizing 86 political allies, friends, professionals and others before they were fully trained or underwent background checks.

The reserve deputy program took another blow Aug. 1 when reserve deputy Raymond K. Yi was arrested in San Bernardino County and charged with two counts each of assault with a firearm and making criminal threats. Yi allegedly flashed his badge and drew his gun on a group of golfers on a Chino Hills course.

Carona is being challenged for re-election by Sheriff’s Lt. William J. Hunt and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Commander Ralph W. Martin, who heads a patrol division.