iePolitics: Brady issues in the District Attorney’s office
We have been saying all along that there are some “issues” with the District Attorney’s investigation in the corruption scandal. Now we have proof.
For those not familiar with Brady, here is an excerpt from a previous post:
There is a case entitled Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83 (1963). The Wikipedia entry reads (emphasis added):
. . . in which the prosecution had withheld from the criminal defendant certain evidence. The defendant challenged his conviction, arguing it had been contrary to the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.
Maryland prosecuted Brady and a companion, Boblit, for murder. Brady admitted being involved in the murder, but claimed Boblit had done the actual killing. The prosecution had withheld a written statement by Boblit confessing that he had performed the act of killing by himself. The Maryland Court of Appeal had affirmed the conviction and remanded the case for a retrial only of the question of punishment. Read more…
Categories: District Attorney, Mike Ramos Tags: bob schreiber, brady, bud randles
InlandPolitics: The Insider: Was Jerry Brown lied to?
- Written by The Insider
- Posted August 29, 2010 at 2:46 pm
Sunday, August 29, 2010 – 2:40 pm
It’s finally crunch time in the multi-year corruption probe launched by San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos.
And one has to wonder what Ramos told Attorney General Jerry Brown in regards to his evidence?
There’s a bigger question starting to be asked by some close to the investigation.
Was Brown lied to?
Categories: Adam Aleman, Bill Postmus, Board of Supervisors, District Attorney, Jeff Burum, Jerry Brown, Jim Erwin, Mark Kirk, Mike Ramos, San Bernardino County Tags: bill postmus, dan richards, Jeff Burum, Jerry Brown, Jim Erwin, Mark Kirk, Mike Ramos, patrick o'reilly, paul biane
iePolitics: The power of the internet
This video was posted by a friend on my Facebook page yesterday. I had to take a look.
Watching the video reminded me of a story I have been going to write for a while. Here is an average, almost geeky, regional cover band, and in two months this video has topped six million hits. It’s entertaining, no doubt—awesome and funny at the same time. But that is not the point. The point is that 20 years ago, this would still be a regional cover band—one that no one had ever heard about, much less seen. But the internet has changed the way information is delivered to us.
Categories: In the News, Jeff Burum, Jim Erwin, Mike Ramos, Rex Gutierrez Tags: fall of newspapers, Jeff Burum, Jim Erwin, Mike Ramos, rex gutierrez
iePolitics: Another Fifth Floor arrest . . . or two?
That is the rumor. To be more exact, the rumor is that Mark Kirk will be arrested for time card fraud before the Rex Gutierrez case gets underway in a few weeks. We are also hearing Paul Biane’s arrest is imminent.
These rumors can almost always be traced back to our favorite yellow singing Canary, Confidential Informant No. 1, Mr. Max Factor himself, Adam Aleman. It seems that every time Mikey has to face bad news he deflects with disinformation through Adam.
Categories: Mark Kirk, Mike Ramos, Paul Biane, San Bernardino County Tags: Jerry Brown, Mark Kirk, Mike Ramos, paul biane
iePolitics: Marijuana and Cocaine use by those on the Fifth Floor
Pure Peruvian Cocaine
Hypocrite is defined by Webster as:
1 : a person who puts on a false appearance of virtue or religion
2 : a person who acts in contradiction to his or her stated beliefs or feelings
In case anyone hasn’t noticed, we have a hypocrite or two or three on the fifth floor of the County Government Center. We have been reminded of that several times during the past couple of years.
Categories: Board of Supervisors, Brad Mitzelfelt, Gary Ovitt, Josie Gonzales, Mike Ramos, Neil Derry, Paul Biane, San Bernardino County Tags: Board of Supervisors, cocaine, marijuana, Mike Ramos
iePolitics: Violating civil rights
Some have told us that it does not matter how San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos goes about getting convictions against the corruption figures, as long as they are convicted. For some reason there are those who do not have an issue with the district attorney breaking the law to gain a conviction.
As more investigation is being done and discovery trickling in at a snail’s pace, we are learning just how far Ramos will go. No law is safe from Mikey.
Categories: Adam Aleman, Bill Postmus, District Attorney, Mike Ramos, San Bernardino County Tags: adam aleman, bill postmus, david lewis, extortion, homosexuality, Mike Ramos
iePolitics: Our demise will come from within
A constant them on this blog is the blatant violation of rights guaranteed to us by the Constitution of the United States that we witness in this county. I am asked often why I stand up for former Assessor Bill Postmus and former Assistant Assessor Jim Erwin.
Something many of our readers seem to forget is that I stood up for both prior to ever knowing either one. And the answer to the question as to why is simple. I believe that the constitutional rights of every individual accused in the corruption scandal have been trampled over.
Many of you feel strongly that all of the corruption figures are guilty so, therefore, District Attorney Mike Ramos and Attorney General Jerry Brown are within their purview to do anything necessary to gain a conviction. And it is that thinking that is driving the United States of America into the ground.
Categories: Bill Postmus, Jim Erwin, Mike Ramos Tags: barrack obama, bill postmus, constitution, due process, Jim Erwin, Mike Ramos
Categories: Bill Postmus, District Attorney, Jerry Brown, Mike Ramos Tags: bill postmus, Jerry Brown, lewis cope, melissa mandel, Mike Ramos
iePolitics: The Ristow Lawsuit
I wasn’t going to blog about this because there really is no point right now in arguing the merits of the case. Anyone who has read this blog for any length of time know where I stand on the issue. No one is going to believe the outcome I predicted months ago until depositions start being taken and evidence that hasn’t been made available yet becomes public. Some of you are on Cheryl’s side and some of you are on Mike’s side and I’m not going to change anyone’s opinion.
Categories: Andrew Lamberto, Brad Mitzelfelt, Gary Ovitt, Greg Devereaux, Josie Gonzales, Mike Ramos, Neil Derry, Paul Biane, Ruth Stringer Tags: andrew lamberto, cheryl ristow, hostile work environment, Mark Kirk, Mike Ramos, Neil Derry, Ruth Stringer, sexual harassment
iePolitics: Supervisor Derry: Clarification and more examples
Supervisor Derry, since you have so graciously given up some of your Saturday night and Sunday morning to argue with me on the blog, I am going to give up my morning’s Frontierville play to try to explain to you the points I am trying to make. As upset as I am about this, you are still iePolitics’ favorite supervisor. 
As an elected official, elected to any office in California whatsoever, you have an obligation to uphold the Constitution of the State of California and the Constitution of the United States. Hopefully, we both agree on that.
As an elected official, especially as a member of the governing body of the county of San Bernardino, we the public expect you to initiate an investigation when you have reason to suspect or personally witness unethical or illegal behavior by any person or entity under the purview of your jurisdiction. That investigation may be as simple as referring the matter to Human Resources or as serious as referring it to the Grand Jury. No one expects you to call in the Calvary for every act or suspected/alleged of malfeasance, but you are expected to at very least have someone in authority look at the situation to determine if there is any justification for further action.
Categories: Board of Supervisors, Bob Blough, Brad Mitzelfelt, Gary Ovitt, Greg Devereaux, Josie Gonzales, Mark Kirk, Mike Ramos, Neil Derry, San Bernardino County, San Bernardino Public Employees Association Tags: Greg Devereaux, Neil Derry, sbepa, seba
iePolitics: Well Supervisor Derry, ignoring the elephant in the room makes you as dirty as the rest of them
You know Neil, we try to defend you here at iePolitics most of the time. But some things are beyond defensible.
For example, your comment that the POST scandal is a personnel matter. It is NOT a personnel matter. It is a FELONY matter that involved Sheriff Rod Hoops, former Sheriff Gary Penrod, and at least a couple dozen others ranging from clerical staff to deputy chiefs. It is misconduct of the worst kind by public officials and it is being swept under the rug with the tacit approval of the board of supervisors.
But it’s okay because you all endorse one another for election, donate to one another’s campaigns, and attend one another’s fundraisers. We wouldn’t want justice to interfere with that, now would we?
Categories: Bob Blough, Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, District Attorney, Gary Ovitt, Greg Devereaux, Mark Kirk, Mike Ramos, Neil Derry, San Bernardino Public Employees Association Tags: Bob Blough, gary ovitt, gary penrod, Mark Kirk, Neil Derry, post, Rod Hoops, sbpea, Sheriff's Department
iePolitics: So Mikey, here is a real conspiracy and bribery case for you
Mikey, please tell me why you only prosecute some and not others. You add yet another ridiculous charge to Rex Gutierrez, yet you let the real bad guys go.
We have told you before, and we say it again, you need to go back to law school and study Conspiracy 101 and Bribery 101 again so you can understand the elements of the crime. Then you need to look at the way in which Scott Ryan got his promotion.
Gary Ovitt was paid off to the tune of $50,000 by SBPEA. Interview the members of the Board of Directors. I know some of them will tell you the truth as to how that all went down.
Categories: Gary Ovitt, Greg Devereaux, Mark Kirk, Mike Ramos, San Bernardino County Tags: Bob Blough, gary ovitt, Greg Devereaux, Mark Kirk, Mike Ramos, pac, sbpea, scott ryan
iePolitics: Too bad the FBI won’t make arrests in the Fourth District and beyond
I guess I had what some might call an epiphany this week. Many of our readers would say it is about time.
You see, for the first time since the corruption scandal started, I genuinely want to see Mark Kirk, Gary Ovitt, Greg Devereaux, and others led away in handcuffs, booked and serve some jail time. Do I believe it will happen? No, I don’t. I still feel the Colonies Settlement is clean.
Everything else in the Fourth District office, however, is not so clean. But the problem is that neither Mikey and Moonbeam or the FBI will look at the real dirt. Mikey and Moonbeam are too busy accepting campaign donations from SEBA and SBPEA. The FBI isn’t interested in the kind of real corruption that goes on in this county.
In this instance, it is simply not the sort of thing the FBI will get involved with. I’m not suggesting there will not be arrests made, just not arrests of the county’s most corrupt individuals, except possibly Mikey.
Categories: Bob Blough, Gary Ovitt, Jerry Brown, Justice, Mark Kirk, Mike Ramos, San Bernardino Public Employees Association Tags: attorney general, bob blough. greg devereux, district attorney, gary ovitt, Jerry Brown, mario saucedo, Mark Kirk, Mike Ramos, mike yandell, paula ready, scott ryan
iePolitics: Cop misdeed of the day – Part Two
This, of course, is an old one. It only took six years for there to be “justice.” Note the quotation marks because “justice” is in the eye of the beholder, or in this case, the receiver.
How many of us could do what Daniel Tidwell did, drag the case on for six years, and then get probation and a fine? Oops, I forgot. He is the son of the former Sheriff. Different strokes for different folks.
Categories: Dennis Hansberger, Mike Ramos, San Bernardino County, Sheriff's Department Tags: daniel tidwell, floyd tidwell, Mike Ramos
iePolitics: The US Department of Justice has been busy today
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and
Categories: Jerry Brown, Justice, Mike Ramos, Rod Hoops Tags: fbi, Jerry Brown, Mike Ramos, Rod Hoops
iePolitics: BOS: You haven’t had enough yet?
To the Honorable Members of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors,
Haven’t you had enough yet? Honestly, why wasn’t County Counsel Ruth Stringer fired today? She does not work for County Administrative Officer Greg Devereaux. She works for you. And she should have been fired TODAY!
I only wish I could share with the readers of iePolitics the details of her latest fiasco—a fiasco that has already been expensive and one that almost cost you, the taxpayers, an additional very large sum of money.
Categories: Andrew Lamberto, Board of Supervisors, Brad Mitzelfelt, Gary Ovitt, Josie Gonzales, Mark Uffer, Mike Ramos, Neil Derry, Paul Biane, Ruth Stringer, San Bernardino County Tags: Board of Supervisors, mark uffer, Ruth Stringer
iePolitics: More information on FBI probe
Additional information regarding the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) probe into the San Bernardino County corruption scandal has been trickling into iePolitics. It appears there are two general areas the Bureau is concentrating on: all investigations conducted by District Attorney Mike Ramos’ Public Integrity Unit (PIU) and the Superior Court bench.
Based upon questions being asked by agents, this investigation is wide-ranging. iePolitics has been told that questions are being asked regarding various real estate deals; destruction of records by former Third District Supervisor Dennis Hansberger; disparity in handling the various FPPC complaints by Ramos against Penrod, Erwin, Biane, Devereaux, and others; the difference in the way in which 1099 charges against Jim Miller and Bea Cortes were handled; the POST scandal; possibly several of the issues at ARMC (regarding Supervisors Biane and Gonzales); and much more.
Categories: Dennis Hansberger, District Attorney, Greg Devereaux, Jerry Brown, Jim Erwin, Justice, Mike Ramos, San Bernardino County, State of California Tags: fbi, Jerry Brown, Mike Ramos
iePolitics: County’s top lawyers all on thin ice
San Bernardino County’s three top lawyers may be “former” employees by year’s end. San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos, Public Defender Doreen Boxer, and County Counsel Ruth Stringer all are in precarious positions at best.
Although mainstream media has refused to cover the antics of District Attorney Mike Ramos, iePolitics and InlandPolitics have covered them extensively. We have been accused of libeling poor Mikey. But the seeds he has sown are about to come back to haunt him and prove that we are the ones with truth on our side.
Categories: Board of Supervisors, Doreen Boxer, Jerry Brown, Mike Ramos, Public Defender, Ruth Stringer, San Bernardino County, State of California Tags: california attorney general, corruption, Doreen Boxer, fbi, Jerry Brown, Mike Ramos, Ruth Stringer
iePolitics: Canary caught in a conspiracy?
It seems our favorite yellow singing Canary, Confidential Informant No. 1, “persona au gratin,” none other than Adam Aleman, has been caught in yet another lie. Imagine that—not our little Adam! Tell us it ain’t so.
Discovery has been trickling into defense counsel at a snail’s pace, if at all. Imagine defense counsel Jim Reiss’ surprise when, while being questioned under oath in the Rex Gutierrez corruption trial, Aleman claimed he had interviewed over a hundred times with district attorney investigators.
Categories: Adam Aleman, District Attorney, Jerry Brown, Mike Ramos, San Bernardino County Tags: adam aleman, Jerry Brown, Mike Ramos, rex gutierrez
Sam Berdoo: Jason Desjardins and the Court of Public Opinion, Part I
Despite what to me defies common sense, and despite Jason’s own statements on the public record, he can not legally be prosecuted for any violation of the law that he may have committed in regards to the alleged theft of his illegally transported firearm. Supposedly, that has a lot to do with “habeas corpus” and no proof that the gun existed. You will have to figure that out for yourself. Let’s be correct, but not for Jason’s own behavior and his public proclamations, Desjardins would not be in this extremely embarrassing situation.
We need to ask ourselves, “In a time of rampant corruption in San Bernardino County, do we really need to have this kind of person in elected office”. Elected Officials are subject to a higher standard of scrutiny than the general public. Like most politicians today, Jason is all for transparency, except when it pertains to him. An Elected Official has a duty, responsibility, and an obligation to adequately explain and answer questions related to the circumstances surrounding his personal conduct when such subjects are brought into the Court of Public Opinion. The public has a right to know about the conduct, both past and present, of their elected representatives.
Categories: Jason Desjardins, Mike Ramos, Pat Morris, Politics, San Bernardino, Uncategorized Tags:
iePolitics: Ramos, Penrod, Hoops, and POST
San Bernardino County Sheriff Rod Hoops
Like we mentioned earlier this week, selective prosecution is alive and well in San Bernardino County. As Mark Gluglueck pointed our below, not all lawbreakers are treated equally, especially if the lawbreaker is a cop.
In the context of Mark’s story, is it any wonder at all that the high-ranking officials from the Sheriff’s Department have not been prosecuted for the POST scandal? For those who forget what the POST scandal is all about, here is the link: A Legacy of Malfeasance—Part-2
Categories: District Attorney, Mike Ramos, Rod Hoops, San Bernardino County Tags: gary penrod, Mike Ramos, post, Rod Hoops
The Sentinel: Sheriff’s Department gathered photographs of DA Mike Ramos cavorting with prostitutes
District Attorney Mike Ramos
The San Bernardino County Sentinel
Friday, July 16, 2010
Former sheriff Gary Penrod accumulated compromising information and materials pertaining to district attorney Mike Ramos which was then utilized to blackmail Ramos and head off an incipient effort by the district attorney’s office to file criminal charges against Penrod pertaining to a host of criminal acts the sheriff was himself involved in.
Categories: Board of Supervisors, District Attorney, Mike Ramos, San Bernardino County, Sheriff's Department Tags: Board of Supervisors, gary penrod, Mike Ramos, prostitutes, San Bernardino County
iePolitics: Now We Know Why Barb Is Bald
Residents described the smell as “a pasture ripe with manure and mildew rising and spreading for miles around,” according to Stanton.
During one March 2004 visit to the area, she noticed something odd.
“There was no vegetation growing anywhere near the Adelanto facility—it was strange like a dead zone. I was creeped out and not comfortable near the plant,” she recalls.
We have been trying to figure it out for some time. What the heck caused Barb to go bald?
We know vegetation doesn’t grow around fertilizer. That’s a proven fact. Just ask Barb.
And now we find out she had nothing better to do than hang around piles of shit. Using the logic we hear Barb express so often, this must be the answer. Perhaps Barb some Rogaine will counteract all those fumes you sniffed.
Categories: Hinkley, Mike Ramos Tags:
InlandPolitics: The Brown-Biane saga – Part 2
- Written by Administrator
- Posted July 11, 2010 at 6:05 pm
The ongoing saga involving San Bernardino County supervisor Paul Biane and his apparently former chief of staff Matt Brown just keeps getting better and better.
During our last update we informed you that Brown was reportedly balking at taking a position in the Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax Collector’s office.
Sources at the time were telling InlandPolitics.com Brown wanted his legal bills paid for by the county.
Categories: Board of Supervisors, District Attorney, Jerry Brown, Matt Brown, Mike Ramos, Paul Biane, San Bernardino County, State of California Tags: attorney general, district attorney, Jerry Brown, matt brown, Mike Ramos, paul biane
iePolitics: More selective prosecution?
We are getting very close to the statute of limitations running on the defendants in the POST scandal and no charges have been filed by San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos. We are getting very close to the statute of limitations running on former San Bernardino County Supervisor Dennis Hansberger and staff for the destruction of official records when he left office and no charges have been filed by San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos. We are perhaps not as close to the statute of limitations running on Grand Terrace City Councilwoman Bertha Bea Cortes. but still after the complaint being in the hands of San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos for many months, no charges have been filed.
Categories: Bertha Bea Cortes, Board of Supervisors, Dennis Hansberger, District Attorney, Mike Ramos, Rod Hoops, San Bernardino County, Sheriff's Department Tags: Bea Cortes, dennis hansberger, gary penrod, Mike Ramos, Neil Derry, Rod Hoops
iePolitics: Hansberger/Ramos to challenge Derry?
It seems the behind-the-scenes chatter is picking up regarding at least one challenger for San Bernardino Third District Supervisor incumbent Neil Derry. James Ramos, tribal chairman of the San Manuel Band of Serrano Mission Indians, is said to be considering seriously a run for the seat that includes parts of San Bernardino, and the cities/communities of Redlands, Yucaipa, Big Bear, Highland, Lake Arrowhead and Yucca Valley.
Categories: Board of Supervisors, Campaigns, Dennis Hansberger, District Attorney, Mike Ramos, Neil Derry, Politics, San Bernardino County, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Tags: dennis hansberger, James Ramos, Mike Ramos, Neil Derry
iePolitics: Holy Cow Robin! Can I be your Batman?
Moonbeam and Robin
Batman: “Haven’t you noticed how we always escape the vicious ensnarements of our enemies?”
Robin: “Yeah, because we’re smarter than they are!”
Batman: “I like to think it’s because our hearts are pure.”
Riddle me this readers: What were they thinking?
“What was who thinking?” you say. Our men in tights . . . our caped crusaders . . . our dynamic crime fighting duo . . . Moonbeam and Mikey . . . oops, I mean Batman and Robin.
That’s right! Moonbeam had been wandering aimlessly along in the fog for far too long until he ran right smack dab into the “crime of the century.” Robin had been fighting corruption in San Bernardino County by his lonesome since his Batman retired (Hoops isn’t into wearing tights and a cape) so he eagerly welcomed his new “partner”—Hackleman’s term, not mine, and we won’t go any further with that visual—and our dynamic duo was united. (See photo on office wall.)
Categories: District Attorney, Jerry Brown, Mike Ramos, San Bernardino County Tags: Jerry Brown, Mike Ramos
iePolitics: The Corruption Scandal – Another Political Angle
David Ellis is the founder of the Dave Ellis Group and Delta Partners, LLC, a full-service government relations and public affairs firm located in Orange County, California. He is San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos’ campaign consultant and political advisor.
Not long after Sam Clauder’s arrest on child porn charges, Ellis was at an event where he was overheard saying, “I think we have Clauder right where we want him,” referring to Clauder’s arrest and incarceration. Remember, Sam Clauder was a Democratic operative and vocal opponent of Mike Ramos and other San Bernardino County Republicans.
Exactly why would a campaign consultant be interested in whom his client prosecutes? For that matter, why would a district attorney be discussing a current case with his campaign consultant?
Categories: District Attorney, Mike Ramos Tags: bill danemeyer, david ellis, Mike Ramos
SBSun: Chicago-style politics comes to county
Editor’s Note: Just remember we said it first, third and fifth! (Fox said it second and Erwin fourth.) And we were ridiculed for saying it.
Richard Grenell
Posted: 07/08/2010 07:57:06 PM PDT
In the aftermath of the announcement that District Attorney Mike Ramos’ team failed miserably to prove that Rex Gutierrez participated in a conspiracy or lied on his time card, there was one little-noticed comment that stood out.Assistant District Attorney Jim Hackleman, Mike Ramos’ appointed hatchet man, accidentally confirmed a suspicion many San Bernardino County residents had suspected for many months. Hackleman was asked by the media if the DA’s Office would seek a re-trial of their failed and costly conspiracy case and his comments were very telling. Hackleman proved just who was driving this wild political investigation when he said, “We’re going to sit down with our partners in the Attorney General’s office and will thoroughly review and refine our case with them.”
Categories: District Attorney, Jeff Burum, Jerry Brown, Meg Whitman, Mike Ramos, San Bernardino County Tags: Jeff Burum, Jerry Brown, Meg Whitman, Mike Ramos
InlandPolitics: So what do Mike Ramos and Rex Gutierrez have in common?
- Written by The Insider
- Posted July 6, 2010 at 8:38 am
Ramos
While Rancho Cucamonga City Councilman and former San Bernardino County Assessor’s Office Inter-Governmental Affairs Officer Rex Gutierrez was allegedly doing city work on county time and county work on city time, what was our favorite San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos doing?
Well he had his own version of “inter-governmental affairs” on his mind. Yep, that’s right. He was busy with affairs for sure. You know the kind—fornication, copulation, making whoopee—not with the wife he tells these women he is divorcing, but with his subordinates.
Categories: Assessor's Office, District Attorney, Justice, Mike Ramos, Rex Gutierrez, San Bernardino County Tags: Mike Ramos, rex gutierrez
iePolitics: Discontent in the Public Defender’s Office – Revised
Editor’s Note: The Sun refused to publish this letter from a deputy public defender, which is a typical Frank Pine decision. The letter was signed and anonymity was not requested. The Sun based their decision on the letter being a “hit piece” against Doreen Boxer. Here at iePolitics we have little doubt that Pine was protecting Boxer based on her sexual relationship with District Attorney Mike Ramos. So, we have no problem printing the letter.
June 2, 2010
Editor
San Bernardino Sun
Dear Editor:
I have been a Deputy Public Defender with the County of San Bernardino for approximately nine years. In 2006, while disappointed that Interim Public Defender Gerald Farber was not awarded the position, I viewed the hiring of Doreen Boxer with a mix of excited anticipation and the belief that our office and therefore, our clients, would be in good hands under Ms. Boxer’s administration. At first, Ms. Boxer exceeded expectations.
When she began, she implemented a training program for new attorneys, made sure that we had proper resource materials for competent representation of our clients and instilled pride and a sincere belief that we were truly fighting for the rights of our indigent clients. Morale was at an all time high.
Now that we are in mid 2010, I cannot honestly say that I feel the same way of our Public Defender Administration. Morale of our attorney and investigations units have bottomed out under the leadership of Ms. Boxer and her assistant, Lauri Ferguson. Ms. Boxer and Ms. Ferguson would like to have us believe that our morale problem stems from a bad economy and thus, a much stricter county budget. Nothing could be farther than the truth. Read more…
Categories: Board of Supervisors, District Attorney, Doreen Boxer, Mike Ramos, San Bernardino County Tags: Doreen Boxer, Mike Ramos
InlandPolitics: More women come forward against S.B. County District Attorney
- Written by The Insider
- Posted July 3, 2010 at 11:07 am
Ramos
InlandPolitics.com has learned that five more women have come forward against San Bernardino County District Attorney Michael Ramos.
Additional details will be forthcoming during the next 72 hours.
Categories: District Attorney, Mike Ramos, San Bernardino County Tags: adultery, affairs, Mike Ramos
InlandPolitics: Corruption cases problematic for Brown
Written by The Insider
- Posted July 1, 2010 at 11:19 am
District Attorney Mike Ramos / Attorney General Jerry Brown
Thursday, July 1, 2010 – 10:00 a.m.
Once thing is for certain.
San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos drawing Attorney General Jerry Brown into his crusade against his political enemies was a smart move.
Even though Defendant Jim Erwin pushed him into it. Read more…
Categories: Adam Aleman, Jerry Brown, Mike Ramos, Rex Gutierrez, San Bernardino County, State of California Tags: Jerry Brown, Mike Ramos
iePolitics: The Significance Has Been Lost
As I read various blog comments and accounts of Rancho Cucamonga City Councilman and former San Bernardino County Assessor employee Rex Gutierrez’ corruption trial and non-verdict, I realize the magnitude of what happened Wednesday is lost on most. Let me explain.
The District Attorney pulled out all stops to keep this case from going to trial any sooner than necessary due to his re-election campaign and fear certain information might come out during the trial. Gutierrez refused to waive time further. The District Attorney used every procedural delay available and the trial did not commence until the last possible moment. The District Attorney was hoping a smoking gun would materialize but it never did. The District Attorney’s hand was forced. Read more…
Categories: Adam Aleman, Assessor's Office, Bill Postmus, District Attorney, Jeff Burum, Jerry Brown, Jim Erwin, Justice, Meg Whitman, Mike Ramos, Politics, Rex Gutierrez, San Bernardino County, State of California, Uncategorized Tags: Jerry Brown, mike ramo, rex gutierrez
iePolitics: The Restraining Order
Here is the order: Councilperson Cortes v. Moore Note: There are two separate files when you open the document. The first is the application and the second is the order.
A couple of things are noteworthy. First, the order is for 100 yards and includes city hall, city functions, etc. The defendant is a resident of Grand Terrace and this order basically denies her right to participate in city government or even pay her trash bill in person. If this order is made permanent, she would not be allowed to attend a 4th of July event if the city is sponsoring one, or a Christmas pageant, or a parade.
If you read the application, Cortes actually wanted the defendant restrained from using foul language or discussing politics. Read more…
Categories: Bertha Bea Cortes, District Attorney, Grand Terrace, Justice, Mike Ramos, San Bernardino County Tags: Bea Cortes, Mike Ramos
iePolitics: Does Sleeping with Mike Ramos Help Win Ones Court Case?
When I first heard of the restraining order City of Grand Terrace Councilwoman Bea Cortes obtained against a citizen in her city, I didn’t pay too much attention to it. Yesterday, I had the chance to view the actual document. I hope to post the document and supporting declaration before the end of the day, so all the “experts” here on the blog can read it and give their opinion, but I have never seen such a restrictive restraining order ever. And it was Bea Cortes who started the altercation. Read more…
Categories: Bertha Bea Cortes, District Attorney, Grand Terrace, Justice, Mike Ramos Tags:
iePolitics: Can justice be found in San Bernardino County – Part 5
The administration of justice is the firmest pillar of government.
~George Washington~
I intended for the final installment in this series to profile the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. But how many times can I write about the incestuous relationships between District Attorney Mike Ramos, Conflict Panel attorneys, Public Defender Doreen Boxer and judges—relationships that often should be prohibited by conflict laws if not their own sense of integrity and morality? Unfortunately, as we know “integrity and morality” are not important qualities to many of these individuals.
Today I was listening to closing arguments in the Rex Gutierrez case and it hit me as to why I feel so strongly about these corruption cases. I decided to change my focus for this last article from the Sheriff’s Department to the pursuit of justice by the unjust.
Defense counsel are paid to do one thing and one thing only and that is to mitigate the circumstances in which criminal defendants finds themselves. In a perfect world, the accused would admit guilt if they are in fact guilty and take their punishment like a man. But then again, in a perfect world, actually crime would not exist and there would be no need for a justice system. Read more…
Categories: District Attorney, Doreen Boxer, Justice, Mike Ramos, Public Defender, Rex Gutierrez, San Bernardino County Tags:
iePolitics: A Happy Day and a Sad Day
The happy news for me today was the seizure of Arrowhead Credit Unit (ACU). Probably about five years ago, for the first and only time in my life, I was told by one of their call center representatives that if I used any more foul language, she would hang up on me. It had to do with a $5,000 cash deposit I had made days earlier in the Victorville branch. Little did I know they had placed a 10-business-day hold on the money, so I had written checks, lots of checks. I did not discover the hold until the checks started to bounce. When I called to find out what had happened I was told that since I normally did not keep that much money in my account, they placed a hold on it. The little twit then proceeded to tell me I shouldn’t be writing checks if the money has not been posted and started to explain to me how to balance a checkbook. I promised her then, they would pay for this. Read more…
Categories: Board of Supervisors, District Attorney, Mike Ramos, San Bernardino County Tags: david lewis, marie alonzo, Mike Ramos, suicide
iePolitics: David Lewis of the Lewis Group of Companies Found Dead
David Lewis, Executive Vice President of the Lewis Group of Companies, was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot on Thursday. A suicide note was left. Lewis, 36, leaves behind his wife and son.
The reasons for taking his own life have not been made public by the family. However, Lewis was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance last week when he was pulled over by the California Highway Patrol on Interstate 15. He was booked into West Valley Detention Center and bailed out that evening.
Categories: Board of Supervisors, District Attorney, Mike Ramos, Politics, San Bernardino County, Upland Tags: david lewis, Mike Ramos
InlandPolitics: Closing arguments begin in Gutierrez case
- Written by Administrator
- Posted June 24, 2010 at 5:22 pm
Closing arguments began this afternoon in the case involving Rancho Cucamonga city councilman and former Assessor employee Rex Gutierrez.
Gutierrez is now charged with only three felonies related to his employment under former Assessor Bill Postmus, after Superior Court Judge Duke D. Rouse acquitted him of Embezzlement by a Public Officer, count number three of the complaint. The Embezzlement charge dismissal is a blow to the prosecution. The embezzlement charge is what is referred to as a “general intent” crime with a lower threshold to prove guilt. Read more…
Categories: Mike Ramos, Rex Gutierrez, San Bernardino County Tags: rex gutierrez
iePolitics: Breaking News – Judge Rouse Acquits Gutierrez on Count Three
Defense attorney for accused Rancho Cucamonga City Councilman Rex Gutierrez Jim Reiss motioned today that Superior Court Judge Duke Rouse dismiss Count Three, Embezzlement by a Public Officer. After about thirty minutes of oral argument and review of applicable case law, Judge Rouse acquitted Gutierrez on this count. Read more…
Categories: District Attorney, Mike Ramos, Rex Gutierrez, San Bernardino County Tags:
iePolitics: Can justice be found in San Bernadino County? – Part 4
Four things belong to a judge: to hear courteously, to answer wisely, to consider soberly, and to decide impartially.
˜Socrates˜
In the first three parts we examined the District Attorney’s Office, the Conflict Panel, and the Public Defender’s Office. It is now time to turn our attention to the Superior Court bench.
San Bernardino County has 72 judges currently assigned to it. Almost every one of those judges who have been elected or appointed in the past eight years received the required blessing of the District Attorney’s office before being appointed or elected. Other than the governor of the state of California, no one elected official has more influence over who sits as a judge on the bench in San Bernardino County than District Attorney Mike Ramos. Some say that is how it should be—a good way to assure criminals are locked up for a long time. Read more…
Categories: District Attorney, Justice, Mike Ramos, Politics, San Bernardino County Tags: judge douglas elwell, judge duke rouse, judge michael dest, Justice, Mike Ramos
InlandPolitics: Is Gutierrez collateral damage from DA pursuit of developer?
- Written by Administrator
- Posted June 21, 2010 at 2:05 pm
This mornings events at the trial of Rancho Cucamonga City councilman and former Assessor employee Rex Gutierrez had the atmosphere of watching paint dry, until the lead District Attorney investigator on the case was questioned by defense attorney Jim Reiss.
Gutierrez is charged with four felonies related to alleged time card fraud and prosecution claims that his hiring by former Assessor Bill Postmus was a conspiracy orchestrated by Rancho Cucamonga developer Jeff Burum.
Some of the interesting highlights from this morning include;
Investigator and designated case officer Schyler Beaty testified that an examination of phone records found over 300 phone calls between Gutierrez and Burum during Gutierrez’s tenure at the Assessor’s office. A period of more than 18 months.
When Beaty was asked by Reiss if he had conducted an analysis of call activity between Gutierrez and Burum prior to Gutierrez’s employment at the Assessor’s office, Beaty said no. Read more…
Categories: District Attorney, In the News, Jeff Burum, Mike Ramos, Rex Gutierrez, San Bernardino County Tags: Jeff Burum, Mike Ramos, rex gutierrez
iePolitics: The Matinee: Watching Paint Dry
It seems things did not improve much for the prosecution this afternoon in the Rex Gutierrez trial. San Bernardino County Deputy District Attorney John Goritz continued with his monotonous presentation of the People’s case. Goritz attempted to advance his “conspiracy” theory even though no one is charged with conspiracy. For that matter, the main “conspirator” isn’t charged with anything. Read more…
Categories: Andrew Lamberto, District Attorney, Jeff Burum, Mike Ramos, Rex Gutierrez, San Bernardino County Tags: jim reiss, john goritz, l dennis michael, Mike Ramos, rex gutierrez, sam spagnolo
The Sentinel: Councilwoman Cortes Seeks Restraining Order Against Constituent
Grand Terrace Councilwoman Bea Cortes, who has become a figure of some controversy in recent months, this week filed for and was granted a restraining order against one of her constituents. The incident that precipitated the filing grew out of an apparent misunderstanding on the councilwoman’s part or otherwise her belief that a citizen’s disapproval of the way in which she has conducted herself in office constituted a threat to her safety and well being.
The Sentinel has learned that on June 1, Cortes was seated at the bar at JB’s Bar and Grill. That evening, seated across the bar was another Grand Terrace resident, Kay Moore, who resides with her husband, Steve, in the 23000 block of Westwood Avenue. Kay Moore, who was familiar with who Cortes was and her position with the city, remarked upon Cortes’ presence to another patron. Moore made further note of her disagreement with Cortes’ politics. Read more…
Categories: Bertha Bea Cortes, District Attorney, Grand Terrace, Mike Ramos Tags: Bea Cortes
InlandPolitics: Inland Empire Republicans for Jerry Brown?
- Written by Administrator
- Posted June 14, 2010 at 8:17 am
In the Inland Empire there is always an interesting political dynamic afoot.
This one is a beauty.
Sources tell InlandPolitics that San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos, a Republican, has embarked on an effort to fulfill a commitment he made to Democratic candidate for Governor Edmund “Jerry” Brown.
The commitment? Form a group of local influential Inland Empire Republicans to support Brown in the November showdown with GOP nominee Meg Whitman. Something that would be interesting to say the least, but highly improbable. Read more…
Categories: District Attorney, Jerry Brown, Mike Ramos, San Bernardino County, State of California Tags: Jerry Brown, Mike Ramos
iePolitics: County Fire
Late last week it was announced that Assistant Fire Chief Dan Wurl was named to replace retiring Fire Chief Pat Dennen. And with that announcement came the stories and with the stories came the re-hash of last year’s trailer incident. So the newspaper blogs were busy with derogatory remarks about both Dan and Pat. And that’s a problem.
You see, the story that Mark Uffer and Andrew Lamberto told to the Board of Supervisors and the media wasn’t exactly the truth. As a matter of fact it was a huge cover up for their own lies and empire building. Those two tried to destroy Pat and Dan for their own financial rewards. And Mark and Andrew covered for a few others who were greasing hands of certain politicians. Read more…
Categories: Andrew Lamberto, Board of Supervisors, Brad Mitzelfelt, District Attorney, Gary Ovitt, Josie Gonzales, Mark Uffer, Mike Ramos, Neil Derry, Paul Biane, San Bernardino County Tags: andrew lamberto, Bret Henry, county fire, dan wurl, Josie Gonzales, mark uffer, pat dennen, paul biane
iePolitics: The Canary Sings Again
Our favorite yellow singing Canary, Confidential Informant No. 1, “persona au gratin,” one half of the Hansel and Gretel team has spoken again. He just can’t stay away from us, constantly taunting those he thinks are going down with him—not sure which one he is anxious to share a jail cell with.
First we find out now he is a spokeshole for the District Attorney. He says Jeff Burum is really “pissing off” poor Mikey by suggesting he will exercise his Constitutional rights I guess. I suppose Mikey thinks everyone should plead to crimes they didn’t commit so that Mikey can get elected to higher office. Read more…
Categories: Adam Aleman, Jeff Burum, Mike Ramos, San Bernardino County Tags: adam aleman, Jeff Burum, Mike Ramos
iePolitics: Congratulations to Sheriff Rod Hoops
I just wanted to publicly congratulate Sheriff Rod Hoops on his victory. I don’t think there has been anywhere else where there has been more criticism of Sheriff Hoops than here at iePolitics. I was not going to censor contributors nor will I do so in the future.
That being said, as the campaign progressed I have to admit I softened a bit. Part of it I’m sure is the fact that time heals. And part of it is a couple of emails between Sheriff Hoops and me. Read more…
Categories: District Attorney, Mike Ramos, Rod Hoops, San Bernardino County, Sheriff's Department Tags: Mike Ramos, Rod Hoops
iePolitics: The Race for District Attorney
There are three candidates in this race: Republican incumbent Mike Ramos, Republican challenger Frank Guzman, and Democratic challenger Bob Conaway. My vote went with Frank Guzman and here is why.
Anyway who reads this blog could safely assume I would never vote for Mike Ramos, so that leaves Frank Guzman and Bob Conaway. Either one would make a fine district attorney. However, I voted for Frank for several reasons. Read more…
Categories: Bob Conaway, Campaigns, Frank Guzman, Mike Ramos, San Bernardino County Tags: Bob Conaway, district attorney, Frank Guzman, Mike Ramos