Inglewood mayor pleads not guilty to four charges

Inglewood Mayor Roosevelt Dorn pleaded not guilty today to conflict of interest and misappropriation of $500,000 in public funds charges stemming from a city low-interest loan program originally intended to help Inglewood administrators live in town.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Terry White told the court that Dorn, a former judge, had until Aug. 21 to take a deal his office had offered. Neither White nor Albert DeBlanc, Dorn's attorney, would comment on the offer.

Dorn, who was charged with three felonies and a misdemeanor, was ordered to return to court on Aug. 21 when a preliminary hearing will be scheduled.

Dorn, an ordained minister, was once a sheriff's deputy and an assistant Los Angeles city attorney. As a Municipal and Superior Court judge, he was known for his tough attitude toward crime.

jeff.gottlieb@latimes.com