Ex-Bell City Administrator Robert Rizzo released from hospital
Ex-Bell city administrator Robert Rizzo was released from Good Samaritan Hospital late Thursday night and plans to return to court Monday morning as scheduled, his attorney said.
Rizzo was rushed to the hospital from the courthouse on Wednesday after experiencing light-headedness and chest pains.
His attorney James Spertus declined to disclose further details about Rizzo's medical condition but said his client would be well enough to appear in court.
"He's looking forward to continuing with the preliminary hearing," Spertus said.
Rizzo and several other current and former Bell officials are in the midst of the second of three preliminary hearings scheduled to determine whether there is enough evidence for them to stand trial on charges of public corruption and misuse of public funds.
Rizzo, whose nearly $800,000 salary sparked widespread outrage, has been the face of the salary and corruption scandal.
-- Ruben Vives
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Rizzo rushed to hospital with chest pains
Bell judge refuses Robert Rizzo's call to step down
Photo: Former Bell City Administrator Robert Rizzo during his preliminary hearing on Feb. 23. Credit: Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times
EDITOR'S PICKS:
I thought the preliminary hearing was just a formality. Why is everyone treating this like a trial, replete with days and days of witness testimony, cross-examinations, etc? We are going to rehash the witness testimony all over again. Seems like a waste of taxpayer funds.
Posted by: Common Sense | February 25, 2011 at 11:00 AM
I'm sure Mr. Rizzo will now play the following cards -
1. The City Attorney said it was all legal. I did no wrong.
2. The Residents of Bell voted on it and approved it. I did not wrong.
3. His health will begin to fail and he will not be able to stand trial. I don't feel well, pity me, I did no wrong.
4. When all else fails....blame someone else for your misfortune. But (Insert name of anyone here), told me it was ok. I did no wrong.
Posted by: imacobru | February 25, 2011 at 11:49 AM
Get well soon Robby!!! :)
Posted by: michael | February 25, 2011 at 12:24 PM
"He's looking forward to continuing with the preliminary hearing," Spertus said"
Uh-Huh, sure he is! Just like I look forward to a root canal without anasthesia! You can see how overjoyed he is in his picture!
Posted by: Astonished | February 25, 2011 at 12:36 PM
With the weight he is carrying, and the stress he is experiencing, plus any unhealthy personal habits he might have, it is no surprise that Rizzo "felt ill". Remains to be seen, in case of any future occurrences, whether this is a dodge or an authentic event.
Posted by: Hypatia | February 25, 2011 at 12:43 PM
Robert Rizzo is not the first person I've seen fake a heart attack in court when things weren't going his way. I'm an attorney and this happened in family court. The judge in that case situation knew instantly that the guy was faking (like Rizzo, this guy had been involved in all manner of financial shenanigans) but had to summon the paramedics anyway as he rolled his eyes. That judge made it clear that he'd be following up on the guy's medical condition and if he found out he was lying, there would be swift and severe consequences.
Posted by: Sandy | February 25, 2011 at 03:21 PM
I'm surprised that the stress of the trial has whittled a few pounds off his large frame...
Posted by: Veronica | February 25, 2011 at 03:25 PM
What did his co-thieves call themselves - fat as hogs? He sure looks the part. Hope he stresses out, all the way out before we waste a dime supporting him in prison.
Posted by: Sophia Beauvais | February 25, 2011 at 03:39 PM
Rizzo was simply a public servant selflessly serving the public. He's one of the heroes and deserves his CALPERS 6 figure pension and lifetime medical benefits.
Posted by: thecanimal | February 25, 2011 at 03:48 PM
Keep him healthy or at least alive. We want him to experience his lengthy prison term...
Posted by: Michael | February 25, 2011 at 03:49 PM
Get well and loose some weight soon!
Posted by: Bat | February 25, 2011 at 03:56 PM
The Penguin survives!
Posted by: Jau | February 25, 2011 at 05:53 PM
I'm surprised ABC hasn't offered Rizzo a spot on "Dancing with the Stars." He would definitely benefit from exercise.
Posted by: GeneTierney | February 25, 2011 at 07:29 PM
Bat said: "Get well and loose some weight soon!"
================================================
You lose weight (not "loose" it). ;-)
Posted by: David B. | February 25, 2011 at 08:01 PM
Afterwards, he ordered a six egg omlet, heavy with cheese. He was quoted that sitting in court burns lots of calories.
Posted by: Dave Fairburn | February 25, 2011 at 08:12 PM
Considering all the money this pig stole. He should have hired a personal trainer to help him lose weight. I hope his health does not prevent him from getting the justice he deserves. I very long prison sentence.
Posted by: Alex P. Gomez | February 25, 2011 at 08:51 PM