L.A. bribery trial spotlights City Hall corruption in run-up to election
In this April 18, 2014 file photo, Eric Garcetti, Mayor of Los Angeles, speaks during a press conference at City Hall in Los Angeles. The trial of Garcetti, his former chief of staff, and six other city officials, is starting Tuesday, May 15, 2014, as the first major test of whether Los Angeles is ready for an election tainted by bribery, corruption and election officials’ refusal to properly count the city’s ballots. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)
The trial of four city officials accused of bribery, extortion and extortion-related activities in connection with a $100 million contract with the Hollywood entertainment company DreamWorks Animation Inc. is opening the way for an election tainted by bribery and corruption.
The trial is being presented to jurors by a former city attorney, who says he’s the defendant’s primary defense attorney.
The proceedings are the first major test of whether Los Angeles is ready for an election tainted by bribery and corruption.
Attorney Robert Abromovits said the charges against the city official accused of bribery, extortion, and extortion were based on “very strong suspicion,” and were not part of a broader scheme to buy votes.
“The charges against Mr. Garcetti, if he is found guilty, will have no impact on the outcome of the mayoral race,” Abromovits said Monday before the trial began.
Prosecutor Brian Mark testified that Abromovits first learned of the alleged bribery and extortion through conversations with a longtime LAPD officer in 2004, when the officer was investigating allegations he helped Garcia, then a city councilman, secure a police contract for $6.5 million.
Abromovits said he couldn’t discuss the case because it involves confidential personnel information.
Abromovits said the charges against the six defendants, including Garcetti, are based on their refusal to count about 2 million ballots that were cast
