Councilman’s aide charged
An aide to City Councilman Bill Rosendahl has been charged with vandalism and assault following an incident two weeks ago in which he tried to enter a home in West Hollywood that was not his, according to a statement issued Friday by the councilman.
Len Nguyen, 32, was arrested by L.A. County sheriff’s deputies April 13 and spent five days in jail. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Nguyen’s attorney, Andrew Stein, said his client was very drunk and entered the wrong condominium unit. The occupant thought he was a burglar. “He beat my client severely,” Stein said.
Nguyen, who handles issues in Mar Vista and West Los Angeles, spent five days at County-USC Medical Center recovering from his injuries. During that time, he was suspended for one week without pay, Rosendahl said.
On Monday, Rosendahl placed Nguyen on probationary status on the condition that the aide attend 12-step meetings and counseling for alcohol abuse.
“Mr. Nguyen has admitted a problem with alcohol, has expressed willingness to take responsibility for his behavior and has agreed to seek treatment for the disease of alcoholism,” Rosendahl said in the statement.
Stein said his client feels bad for embarrassing the councilman.
-- David Zahniser
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