Sheriff’s Captain Enters Plea in Solicitation Case
An Orange County sheriff’s official pleaded not guilty Tuesday to illegally soliciting 16 colleagues for donations to the reelection campaign of Sheriff Michael S. Carona.
Capt. Christine Murray did not appear in court. Her attorney, Jennifer Keller, entered the plea on her behalf. The next hearing is Nov. 15.
The state attorney general’s office charged Murray with contacting four other captains, 10 lieutenants and two civilian directors in May to solicit contributions for Carona, who is seeking a third term next year.
State government code prohibits an officer or employee of a local government agency from soliciting political contributions from other employees. Each violation carries up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
Neither Murray or Keller could be reached for comment. Murray is on leave from her job overseeing operations in unincorporated areas north of Irvine.
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