L.A. bribery trial spotlights City Hall corruption in run-up to election
L.A. bribery trial spotlights City Hall corruption in run-up to election
L.A. – Amid a flurry of corruption charges, City Hall has become a central theme of a major corruption trial unfolding here, according to witnesses who describe how politicians have used City Hall to further their own political interests.
The bribery case against former Councilmember Harry Sidhu, former City Attorney Barbara Parker and former Chief Deputy City Attorney Michael Gaughan, all charged with conspiracy, bribery and extortion, is taking place as the race for mayor comes into focus amid allegations that Sidhu was involved in a plot by fellow councilmembers to kill his mayoral campaign, which began a short time ago.
Gaughan’s campaign also is being probed by federal prosecutors in the bribery probe of Councilwoman Janice Hahn, who is accused of accepting an improper campaign contribution on behalf of Gaughan.
Witnesses described the City Hall scandals as a “trio of scandals, all feeding off each other,” to the point where the “whole city administration is tainted,” said Bill Derrough, a former Deputy City Attorney who was the acting City Attorney for a year and a half, until Parker was elected in November 2006.
Gaughan, who resigned from his position shortly after a federal jury here rejected his extortion and bribery charges, has long been a focus of the corruption allegations, particularly in relation to his role in the Sidhu bribery case.
And although no charges have been filed against Sidhu or Parker, the “whole city administration is tainted” when a “trio of scandals” has taken place, said Derrough, adding that Sidhu’s campaign and Hahn’s campaign are both “pivotal” to the case.
In a brief interview, Sidhu’s attorney, John Bur
