Sheriff Carona indicted in O.C.

--

Begin text of infobox

Michael S. Carona

Age: 52

Career: Joined the Orange County Marshal's Department in 1976. In 1988, at 33, he was selected marshal of Orange County. In 1998, he was elected the 11th Orange County sheriff -- running the nation's fifth-largest sheriff's department -- a post to which he has been reelected twice. He was once a favorite in Republican Party circles. CNN's Larry King called him "America's Sheriff" after the successful hunt in 2002 for the killer of 5-year-old Samantha Runnion, whose kidnapping and murder captivated the nation. But his time in office has been marred by scandal. Critics accused him of management and ethical lapses that they said undercut departmental integrity and morale, including his issuing badges and concealed-weapons permits to campaign contributors without background checks or ensuring they had proper training. He was narrowly reelected to a third term in 2006.

Education: Two master's degrees in management, Cal State Polytechnic University, Pomona; and the University of Redlands.

Personal: Married to Debbie, with one son.

Source: Orange County Sheriff's Department website, Carona for Sheriff website, staff and wire reports