Lawyers for ex-O.C. sheriff seek access to confidant's diaries
Attorneys defending former Orange County Sheriff Michael S. Carona in a corruption case are seeking access to three volumes of diaries apparently written by Carona's chief assistant sheriff, longtime confidant George Jaramillo.
In a motion filed Wednesday, Carona's lawyers argued that their client was entitled to see the diaries because Jaramillo had asked federal prosecutors for permission to refer to them before providing certain information related to corruption allegations against Carona.
"The government is clearly aware that Mr. Jaramillo's diaries are relevant and allowed Mr. Jaramillo to refer to them for additional information," the motion says. "The defense believes and fully expects the government to offer these documents in their case-in-chief."
Jaramillo ,who was fired by Carona, is a key prosecution witness in the corruption case against Carona.
The existence of the diaries was revealed in 12,000 pages of witness statements that the government turned over to the defense in late June. According to those court records, the diaries are in the possession of Jaramillo's attorney, Robert Corrado.Carona served nine years in office before resigning in January to fight charges that he had misused his office to enrich himself and others in a broad conspiracy that included his wife and a former mistress.
All three have pleaded not guilty.
Carona has asked that his Aug. 26 trial date be postponed. A decision by the court is pending.
Jaramillo has pleaded guilty to tax charges. In a separate and unrelated case brought by the Orange County district attorney, Jaramillo pleaded no contest to lying to a grand jury and unauthorized use of a county helicopter. He served a year in jail.
christine.hanley@latimes.com
