Judge refuses to let Carona remain free during appeal

Former Orange County Sheriff Michael S. Carona’s request to remain free while he appeals his 5 1/2-year prison term was denied today.

Federal Court Judge Andrew J. Guilford’s ruling means that Carona -- convicted of trying to obstruct a grand jury investigation into his administration -- must surrender this summer and begin serving his prison sentence.

After a long-running federal investigation, indictment and two-month trial, Carona was acquitted in January of five corruption charges but convicted on a single felony count of witness tampering.

Last month he was sentenced to 66 months and ordered to report to prison July 24.

Carona’s attorneys argued that he should be allowed to remain free on bond as he fights his sentence in appeals court. They plan to argue that incriminating tape recordings of Carona should not have been allowed in the trial.

In today’s ruling, Guilford upheld his original order that Carona surrender shortly after his son’s high school graduation, saying none of the issues defense attorneys raised met the requirements for release pending appeal.

Carona is being allowed to remain free until July, Guilford wrote, because “time is needed to determine the proper prison placement for the Defendant since he is the former county sheriff, and there are difficulties placing him and holding him in a county jail pending placement.”

Carona's attorney said his client was disappointed and would appeal Guilford's ruling.

Carona, once a political rising star who was dubbed “America’s Sheriff” in 2002 during the search for the killer of 5-year-old Samantha Runnion, was chastized during sentencing by Guilford, who gave the ex-lawman a half-hour lecture about honesty.

Carona attended a court hearing today, appearing to pay close attention to the proceedings, but said nothing. Guilford released his written opinion this afternoon.

--Tony Barboza

Comments

[August]

Corona, what's the problem? Are you saying something is wrong with your safe, secure, respected & dignified, and the rehabilitation programs of the jails you created? Hmmm...Interesting; Lock him up!

[Philip Henderson]

I am pleased that Michael Corona is not receiving special treatment. He should have been convicted of all the charges filed against him. He betrayed the trust of the people who voted for him and elected him Sheriff. His prison sentence should be a warning to all that if you abuse your power while in public office that you will face justice including prison time.

Michael Carona said his not guilty verdicts were miraculous. I agree with him. I am disappointed that he still has not admitted his guilt and asked for forgiveness. His hubris is still his greatest weakness. It is sad when the mighty fall, however, he brought all this on his self. His arrogance and disrespect for the people he served has brought him to prison. He will have time to reflect on these matters for the next 66 months.

Philip Henderson, Irvine, Calfiornia

[SCORPIO]

Corona not only displayed a typical arrogant attitude of the political affluent, he has made a plethora of citizens fearful, i.e the giving of law enforcement badges to his associates and unqualified individuals if the police departments don't have enough problems California and it;s citizens have to deal with another "rogue" cop!! The sentence he received is too lenient !!!
Veracity will never be associated with the sheriffs department again!!!!!
Does he lose his pension?

[MLK]

He is a punk and should have been convicted on all counts

[Wiseowl]

Everyone forgot all the good he did. He does not deserve to go to jail. He put his heart and soul in finding the little girl who was taken and killed. Her mother's name was Erin. His quick work found the killer.

Shame for persecuting him.

[Rebel]

Lock him up! If only we could throw away the key.

[Linda Cator]

July 24th cannot come soon enough for those who have suffered,
Authority should not be used as club, this is a lesson Carona can learn when he goes behind bars.
He is a real embarrassment to Orange County.
Linda

[Linda Cator]

Well here are ending the month of October and still Mike Carona is free pending his appeal. That is just amazing the way justice works.