OC Sheriff Pleads Not Guilty to Corruption

Nov 06, 04:52 PM

Current Headlines: The sheriff of Orange County, Calif., has pleaded innocent to corruption charges amid calls for his resignation.

Sheriff Michael Carona, his wife Deborah and his alleged former mistress, Debra Hoffman, all pleaded not guilty Monday to federal charges of using his position to illegally accumulate wealth, the Los Angeles Times reported Tuesday.

Carona faces accusations of selling access to his office in exchange for tens of thousands of dollars and gifts, including a boat and tickets to the World Series and a Las Vegas boxing match.

The sheriff was indicted last week on charges of conspiracy, mail fraud and tampering with a grand jury witness.

Carona, a Republican, was elected to a third term by a narrow margin last year. He has pledged to fight the charges and remain in office, despite calls from newspapers, fellow Republicans and private citizens for the sheriff to step down.

The trial has been set for Dec. 18, but Thom Mrozek, spokesman for the U.S. attorney's office, said delays are likely as the defense has many documents to review and lawyers may have scheduling conflicts with the date.