Legal News

Forget it, Jake - it's San Bernardino County

By Richard Binder

Taking on corruption is no easy task, but it would seem in San Bernardino County the difficulties magnify a hundredfold.

Leonard Gumport was hired by the county in mid-2000 to investigate former top county officials who took bribes and kickbacks from contractors in exchange for lucrative billboard and trash-hauling contracts, only to receive harsh criticism from county officials, including at least one who hired him.

Dennis Stout's political career was ended when he prosecuted former Supervisor Jerry Eaves on bribery charge.  When the case was handed over to the state, it was discovered that Stout and two of his top aides discussed their investigation into Eaves with one of his political foes.  Even though Stout was ultimately cleared of wrongdoing, the damage was already done.  "It's not just the way these investigators are attacked, it's the politics of this county," Stout said. "It's a bloody knife fight."

For details on these and others who took on the SBC with less than desirable results, click here.

Full post as published by Legal Pad | LA on July 27, 2009 (boomark / email).