Carona Names 2 New Assistants

Orange County Sheriff Michael S. Carona tapped two longtime department veterans Friday to become his new assistants -- a position that became a source of controversy.

One of his former assistants, George Jaramillo, is facing bribery charges. A second, Donald Haidl, resigned earlier this year to focus on his son’s legal problems. Both were Carona confidantes who came from outside the rank and file of the Sheriff’s Department.

But Friday, Carona reached inside the ranks, appointing captains Steve Bishop and Charles Walters to the second-highest-ranking posts in the department.

Bishop will take over as assistant sheriff for investigations, communications and court operations, a job held by Assistant Sheriff Jo Ann Galisky, who will move to special services. Walters was named assistant sheriff for jail operations, a job held by Assistant Sheriff Kim Markuson, who will oversee patrol operations.

Bishop, a 29-year county veteran, said he got the word from Carona about his new job around lunchtime Friday. “It’s a great opportunity and I’m truly privileged,” he said.

Walters, who joined the department 30 years ago, couldn’t be reached for comment.

Carona praised both men for their leadership in having served in assignments throughout the department. The job pays $116,480 to $131,040 a year.

“They’re both quality guys, and they’ll do a phenomenal job,” he said.

This is the second time in two years that Carona has shuffled his top echelon. Last year, he fired Jaramillo, who was later indicted. Haidl, who had been in charge of the department’s reserve program, resigned last September before his son’s high-profile sexual assault retrial. Gregory Haidl, then 19, and two co-defendants were convicted March 23 on sex-related charges.

Jaramillo and Don Haidl were controversial hires because they joined the department after helping Carona’s election campaign in 1998, which boosted him from Orange County marshal to sheriff.

In December 1998, a month before taking office, Carona persuaded the Board of Supervisors to loosen a requirement that assistant sheriffs must have served for two years as captains within the department. He said he needed the flexibility to reshape a new regime from a department dominated by longtime Sheriff Brad Gates, who retired in 1998 after 24 years on the job.

Earlier this month, Carona lost two assistant sheriffs to retirement, prompting speculation about whether he would again appoint from outside the department. Assistant Sheriff Doug Storm, highly regarded as the department’s budget guru, and Assistant Sheriff Pete Gannon started work at the department on the same day and retired together Sept. 2.

Robert J. MacLeod, general manager of the Assn. of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs, said neither Bishop nor Walters were surprises as replacements. Both are seasoned veterans with proven track records, he said.

“They are well respected by the troops, and I think it will make it easier for them to make the transition to top management,” MacLeod said.

“They’re both quality people. They’re honest. They’re stand-up. They’re very experienced,” he said.

Carona has announced that he’ll seek reelection next year to a third four-year term. His challengers include Orange County Sheriff’s Lt. William J. Hunt and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Cmdr. Ralph W. Martin.

Staff writer Christine Hanley contributed to this report.