New Orange County sheriff to review concealed weapons permits

When former Sheriff Michael S. Carona resigned in January to focus on his upcoming federal corruption trial, he had issued more than 1,100 active carry permits -- among the most issued by any sheriff or police chief in the state. Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca, by contrast, has issued fewer than 400.

Many were issued to traditional holders: judges, prosecutors, jewelers or others whose occupation leaves them in fear for their safety. But others included wealthy white-collar businessmen, doctors, dentists and financial contributors to Carona's political campaigns.

In its October indictment, a federal grand jury accused Carona of having issued a concealed weapons permit to a businessman who had previously been convicted of unlawfully possessing a concealed weapon. Others to whom Carona issued licenses included Orange County Republican Party activists Michael Schroeder and Adam Probolsky. Schroeder could not be reached and Probolsky declined comment.

Hutchens said she intends to review each permit and determine whether the gun owners demonstrated an immediate fear for their safety or held an occupation so inherently dangerous that they needed to carry concealed weapons in public.

"The important thing to me is they need to have demonstrated a need," Hutchens said.

And if there's no need, she'll revoke the permits. "That's probably not going to be popular with a lot of people," she said.

Hayden Heal, a gun ownership advocate who served on a committee that drafted Carona's weapons permits policy, said he thought Hutchens was well advised to review the existing permits.

"I would be surprised if she didn't review all of the policies, especially when you have the controversies Carona had in his demise. I'm quite sure the new lady wants to make sure everything is squeaky clean and make sure there's no patronage," Heal said. "I think it would be in everyone's best interest to have them reviewed. It's not just the smart thing, but the right thing."

Carona's policy allowed people to be issued concealed weapons permits if they passed background checks and demonstrated good cause, as determined by the sheriff.