Hutchens is sworn in as O.C. sheriff

Newly appointed Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens was sworn in Tuesday on the steps of the Old County Courthouse, promising the public and her troops that she would lead by example and with integrity.

"Yesterday is history. Today is the beginning of a new era in this department," Hutchens told a crowd of more than 1,000 gathered on the front lawn of the historic Santa Ana courthouse for the ceremonial event.

She was officially sworn in last week in a private ceremony.

Hutchens said it would take time to clean up the mess left behind by her predecessor, Michael S. Carona, who resigned in January to fight federal criminal charges that he misused his office to enrich himself and others in a conspiracy that included his wife and a former mistress.

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