Former San Bernardino D.A., accused of destroying evidence, agrees to suspension from California State Bar
The case involved corruption charges against three San Bernardino County officials and a developer who was a managing director of Rancho Cucamonga-based investor group Colonies Partners.
The four were indicted in 2011 on multiple charges stemming from a land dispute between the county and Colonies Partners.
Prosecutors alleged that the four men participated in a bribery scheme years prior designed to settle the dispute in favor of the company. In 2006, county supervisors voted 3 to 2 to settle with Colonies, over the objection of county legal staff.
Read more: Two San Bernardino County officials and developer acquitted in public corruption case
Ultimately, three of the four defendants were acquitted in 2017, and charges were dropped against the fourth later that year. Several parties filed lawsuits against Ramos, alleging misconduct during the corruption case.
The next year, the Colonies defendants sued the county for allegedly engaging in "retaliatory, malicious, or politically motivated investigations and prosecutions, including failed criminal action against the various plaintiffs." Ramos lost his bid for reelection later in 2018.
The lawsuit's discovery phase sought Ramos' written communications, but he had deleted the emails directed to his campaign address as well as his texts messages, according to the agreement signed by Ramos and the State Bar.
In 2020, a U.S. magistrate judge concluded that Ramos "had a duty to preserve emails and text messages and found his excuses for not doing so unacceptable," according to Larson LLP, a firm that represented Colonies.
'It is shocking that any lawyer, particularly one serving as District Attorney, would act in 'bad faith' and destroy evidence relevant to an on-going litigation," wrote Stephen Larson of Larson LLP.
Read more: A blood feud rocks O.C. law enforcement with claims of 'dirty cop,' 'corrupt' D.A.
Larson accused Ramos of "political persecution," saying that he "destroyed evidence of his nefarious conduct.'
Ramos did not respond to request for comment. He is listed as a faculty member at UC Riverside.
The suspension agreement was approved by the State Bar Court and sent to the California Supreme Court, which has yet to approve the proposed agreement.
'Prosecutors wield tremendous authority and discretion, and with that comes a heightened responsibility to adhere to the ethical standards of the legal profession,' said State Bar Chief Trial Counsel George Cardona. 'This stipulated discipline, if approved by the California Supreme Court, reinforces the State Bar's commitment to ensuring that those who violate the rules governing attorney conduct — regardless of their title or position — are held responsible.'
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
29 minutes ago
- USA Today
Kamala Harris' decision kickstarts the 2028 Democratic presidential primary: 5 takeaways
The former vice president's decision to skip out on running for California governor changes the political math for her party - and back in her home state. She's out, but is she really still in? Kamala Harris ended months of speculation about running for California governor on July 30 when she announced she wasn't vying for the top spot in her home state. "For now," she said, her leadership and public service won't be in elected halls of power. Only Harris knows how long that will be, but her decision leaves the door open for mounting a third White House bid in 2028 amid what's expected to be a jam-packed Democratic field but where the former 60-year-old vice president's diehard supporters appear ready to leap at as President Donald Trump's approval numbers dip. "I remain proud AF to have voted for Kamala Harris," Ricky Davila, a Los Angeles-based musician, said in a July 30 post on X, responding to her decision. "It'll always break my heart that we were robbed (of) the opportunity to have a fantastic once in a lifetime president." But the choice comes at a time when Democrats are trying to turn the page, particularly in terms of festering questions surrounding former President Joe Biden's unprecedented exit from last year's race. Here are five takeaways on Harris' blockbuster decision, and what it could mean for Democrats going forward. Harris declining California governor marks '28 kickoff Several 2028 hopefuls on the Democratic side have already begun to put their stakes in the ground, whether by visiting early states, launching podcasts or drawing thousands at rallies across the country. But Harris forgoing a California governor bid now means that a new round of speculation will begin as to whether she wants a third bite at the apple. That will change the calculus for some would-be contenders, but also left-leaning advocacy groups and importantly voters. Longtime Harris allies were bullish, saying the 60-year-old Democrat's brand remains strong. They were blunt when asked about her future. "She can do anything she wants to do, but she owes us nothing," CNN commentator Bakari Sellers told USA TODAY. "She's a talent and 2028 could be it. Or 2032. Whatever she decides. She's young." A month before Harris' decision, however, an Emerson College survey was showing her support in a hypothetical 2028 contest beginning to slip as other names emerge. The mock Democratic primary found 16% supporting former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, with Harris at 13% followed by current California Gov. Gavin Newsom at 12% and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez both at 7% respectively. More voters were undecided at 23%, the June poll showed. Returning to the national stage, but with Biden's baggage There's no doubt Harris would be the most formidable contender and popular figure among the base if she returns to the national stage. She has the highest name ID and widest fundraising network by far of the potential candidates currently rumored. But she also carries a decent portion of the baggage from the 2024 campaign, which collapsed after Biden's poor debate performance that reminded the nation about his age and acuity. Harris' return risks reopening wounds and questions about her role and decision-making during the Biden administration just as the party looks to heal itself after bypassing on a public autopsy about last year's loss. The former VP said in her July 30 statement that her immediate leadership will be dedicated to "helping elect Democrats across the nation." The first test of that appetite for Harris will come this fall as critical races for governor in New Jersey and Virginia -- two states she won in 2024 -- are gearing up for November. Both Reps. Mikie Sherrill, D-N.J., and Abigail Spanberger, D-Va., the Democratic gubernatorial nominees in their respective states, endorsed Harris for president. It will be telling how eager and in what ways they and other Democrats, particularly in battleground states and swing districts, will be for Harris' return to the trail whether it is this year or the upcoming 2026 midterms. "Excited about (Harris) hitting the road and traveling the country to help us flip the House and win back Congress," Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., said in a July 30 post on X. "Let's go!" '107 Days': Harris debuts new book Harris delivered another revealing piece of news after passing on the California governor's race. She is coming out with a book about her experience entitled "107 Days" - which was the length of her abbreviated campaign. "Since leaving office, I've spent a lot of time reflecting on those days and with candor and reflection, I've written a behind-the-scenes account of that journey," Harris said in a July 31 post on X. "I believe there's value in sharing what I saw, what I learned, and what it will take to move forward." What the world saw on the campaign trail was only part of the new book is a behind-the-scenes look at my experience leading the shortest presidential campaign in modern history.107 Days is out on September 23. I can't wait for you to read it: How much it will reveal remains to be seen about last year's campaign, chiefly her knowledge about Biden's health and how it all went down when she received the party's nomination. Simon & Schuster, the New York-based publisher behind the book, is advertising it as a "page-turning account" with "surprising and revealing insights" so expect political observers to pour over if it lives up to the hype, but the book gives Harris a chance to go back on the road and keep her profile high. Don't expect 2028 hopefuls to back down amid rising progressive populism If Harris ends up running for a third time, don't expect other rumored candidates to simply walk away and allow for another coronation. Democrats have been engaged in a big debate about their party's future for much of this year, including sharp criticisms of their leadership in Congress around how to effectively challenge Trump. There also is a rising populism on the left, emboldened by Zohran Mamdani's win in the New York City Democratic primary in June. Those within the activist left especially are pointing to a shift, especially around issues that Harris ducked during the 2024 campaign such as the ongoing conflict in Gaza. A poll released July 29 by Data for Progress, for instance, found 78% of NYC Democratic voters said Israel is committing genocide in the region, and that more are likely to side with the Palestinians. "The dam has broken," Margaret DeReus, executive director of the Institute for Middle East Understanding, which commissioned the survey, said in a statement. "As the Democratic Party considers its future after November's loss, and as poll after poll shows the party's approval to be at historic lows, Zohran Mamdani's ability to energize new voters with his bold platform for Palestinian rights should be a wake-up call." If Harris does run again, it also would create a bit of an awkward scenario where she would be jockeying against some of the same people her failed campaign vetted to be her running mate, including Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who was on the 2024 ticket but has spoken out about last year's campaign. "We shouldn't have been playing this thing so safe," Walz told Politico in March. California governor's race is now wide open Now that Harris is out, the California governor's race becomes a massive derby among roughly a dozen notable contenders who have already expressed an intention to join the 2026 primary battle. Among the names are Xavier Becerra, a former health secretary under Biden; Antonio Villaraigosa, a former L.A. mayor; current Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, who has been endorsed by former Speaker Nancy Pelosi; Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, an outspoken Trump supporter; and former Rep. Katie Porter, a staunch progressive who previously ran for Senate and who many believe to be in the best position to benefit from Harris' exit. A University of California, Irvine poll released July 2 showed Harris at 24% with no other would-be contenders receiving double-digit support. Remember in California, candidates sprint in a primary where the top two finishers, regardless of party affiliation, advance to the general election in a runoff. California, which holds the world's fourth largest economy, is thought of as a safe blue state by most forecasters but it has been at the forefront of Trump's immigration crackdown, which has been marked by violent clashes between law enforcement and left-leaning demonstrators. It also has been in the news around other issues, such as homelessness and wildfires, and the UCI survey found that by a 2-to-1 margin, most Californians think their state is on the wrong track.
CNN
an hour ago
- CNN
Democratic lawmakers press for answers from US security firms involved in controversial Gaza aid organization
The Middle East National security FacebookTweetLink A group of Democratic lawmakers on Thursday pressed for answers from the heads of two private US-based security firms whose personnel have worked at the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation and who the lawmakers say have been accused of deadly violence against civilians seeking aid in the starving enclave. In a letter first obtained by CNN, Sens. Peter Welch and Chris Van Hollen and Reps. Joaquin Castro and Sara Jacobs express concern about reports the two companies, UG Solutions and Safe Reach Solutions, are involved with 'deadly security operations in Gaza.' 'Reports and firsthand witnesses have indicated to us that your personnel —American veterans hired as private security contractors—were brought into Israel on tourist visas inappropriate for the intended purpose of their travel, sent to Gaza armed for combat, and ordered by Israeli officials to use lethal force against unarmed and starving Palestinian civilians,' said the letter to the CEOs of the two companies. 'We have also learned that under Israeli orders, your personnel are conducting crowd control at food distribution sites by firing live rounds over the heads of civilians and using stun grenades and pepper spray — all in an active military zone under direct supervision by Israeli military officers,' the letter said. 'As a result, we are deeply concerned that you may have failed to alert your personnel — or investors — of the immense legal risks they face for conducting what amounts to military operations on behalf of the Israeli government on land outside of the State of Israel,' it said. CNN has asked UG Solutions and Safe Reach Solutions for comment. The lawmakers are seeking answers about the rules of engagement for personnel in Gaza and the extent to which staff and investors were informed of their potential exposure to lawsuits related to alleged war crimes and torture. They requested those answers within two weeks. The letters also asked the companies to 'preserve all documents and communications related to (their) contracts and work with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.' The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a US and Israeli backed private organization established to provide aid amid the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip, has prompted an outcry and faced sharp criticism from international aid organizations over the operations of their distribution sites. Hundreds have been killed around the sites trying to get desperately needed food. US officials have defended the work of the foundation and argued it is the only organization that has been able to stop widespread looting of aid by Hamas. An internal USAID assessment did not find evidence of systemic theft by Hamas.
New York Post
an hour ago
- New York Post
Crypto bro in horrific NYC kidnap, torture case sprung on whopping $1 million bond
One of the crypto bros accused of sadistically tormenting an Italian millionaire in a Manhattan townhouse was sprung on $1 million bond Thursday after spending two months behind bars. John Woeltz, 37, was released from Rikers Island just a week after a Manhattan judge granted the accused madman and his accomplice, William Duplessie, 33, bail in the shocking alleged kidnapping and torture of Italian crypto trader Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan. Woeltz had been holed up in the city's jail since his arrest on May 23 after prosecutors alleged he tortured Carturan for his Bitcoin password, including lighting him on fire and cutting him with a chainsaw. Advertisement 3 John Woeltz (right) was released from Rikers Island after a Manhattan judge granted him and his accomplice, William Duplessie (left), bail in the alleged kidnapping and torture of Italian crypto trader Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan. Steven Hirsch Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Gregory Carro granted the seven-figure bail package on July 23 after attorneys for the crypto bros argued that the so-called torture was akin to 'fraternity-like hazing.' The judge agreed to spring the pair free — with the stipulation they couldn't pay in cryptocurrency. Advertisement Woeltz's bond was secured by celebrity bondsman Ira Judelson, who was sworn in shortly before a Thursday court hearing. 3 Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Gregory Carro granted the seven-figure bail package on July 23. During the hearing, Woeltz, who appeared in a tan prison jumpsuit, was released to home confinement and placed on electronic monitoring. The judge warned him that the monitoring bracelet must remain charged while he's out of jail. Advertisement 'If it happens, you're not going to be on electronic monitoring anymore,' Carro said. 3 Duplessie was not released on Thursday. His next court date is scheduled for October. James Keivom The hard-partying duo allegedly tortured Carturan, who has since returned to Italy, at a swanky SoHo townhouse in order to hijack his Bitcoin password worth $100 million, according to law-enforcement sources. Woeltz, a Kentucky-based cryptocurrency investor, allegedly threatened the 28-year-old victim's family in Italy — while subjecting him to humiliation by having people urinate on him and forcing him to take drugs during captivity, authorities said. Advertisement But Woeltz's attorney, Wayne Gosnell, waved off the alleged torture tactics — some of which were captured on video and photo — as a 'long running frat party.' 'Mr. Carturan was there in the role of a pledge. He was essentially pledging and being hazed,' Gosnell said at a previous hearing. Duplessie, of Miami, Fla., was not released Thursday. His next court date is scheduled for October 15.
