Samueli dismissed from O.C. sheriff's reserve team

Henry Samueli, the billionaire co-founder of Broadcom and owner of the Anaheim Ducks, was dismissed last month from the Orange County Sheriff's Department reserve program after pleading guilty to a felony charge of lying to regulators about his role in an alleged plot to secretly reward employees by manipulating stock options.

Samueli turned in his badge and ID card within days of receiving a June 25 letter from the Sheriff's Department informing him that his services were no longer needed. Although the letter did not indicate a reason for the dismissal, it was sent two days after he reached the plea agreement with federal prosecutors.

Felony convictions often result in dismissal, according to Sheriff's Department rules.

Samueli, through a spokesman, declined to comment.

He is among 31 civilians who have left the reserve ranks since former Sheriff Michael S. Carona resigned in January to fight criminal charges that he misused his office in a broad conspiracy to enrich himself and others, including his wife and former mistress. Of those who have left, 11 -- including Samueli -- were dismissed, though the reasons were not detailed.

Samueli also becomes the latest member of the reserve with ties to Carona to lose his credentials after running into legal trouble. Others include Carona's former martial arts instructor, Raymond Yi, who was accused of flashing his reserve badge and a gun at a foursome playing in front of him on a San Bernardino County golf course. Yi was convicted earlier this year of making a criminal threat; he is seeking a new trial on the grounds that a courtroom bailiff improperly spoke with the jury about a gun used as evidence at trial.

Newly appointed Sheriff Sandra Hutchens said she plans to review the reserve program, which still includes Carona allies and prominent Orange County citizens. The program has been tainted by allegations that badges were doled out as political favors and that some members did not complete their training or background checks.

Carona has repeatedly denied there was any quid pro quo in the distribution of badges. But former Assistant Sheriff Don Haidl, whom Carona put in charge of the reserve program, told federal investigators that the program was a front for raising money for Carona's political ambitions and that a badge could be bought for a $1,000 campaign donation. Haidl is a key prosecution witness in the government's corruption case.