Witness breaks down in Michael Carona trial

Lisa Jaramillo was about 45 minutes into her testimony when the subject came up. She is the wife of former Assistant Sheriff George Jaramillo and served as a chief fundraiser for Carona's first two campaigns.

She lost her composure while answering questions about what she knew about the relationship between Carona and Debra V. Hoffman.

"The reason I'm having a difficult time answering this is, I wasn't a good friend to Debbie Carona and I know she's sitting out there," Jaramillo said, looking at Carona's wife in the gallery. "I don't know if it is appropriate or not, but I'm very sorry . . . for some of the stuff I have to say today, but I can't lie."

Michael Carona and Hoffman are on trial on federal charges that they traded the powers of his office for more than $700,000 in cash and gifts for themselves and others, including Deborah Carona, George Jaramillo and former Assistant Sheriff Don Haidl. Haidl and Jaramillo have pleaded guilty to lesser charges and have been cooperating with the government for more than a year. Deborah Carona awaits a separate trial.

The judge ordered a recess so Lisa Jaramillo could regain her composure. During that break, Hoffman's attorney made a motion for a mistrial, saying the apology prejudiced her client.

That motion, and a separate and unrelated motion for a mistrial by Michael Carona's attorneys, were immediately denied.

Earlier this morning, an accountant under cross-examination by the defense testified that he feared one of the government's key witnesses.

George Feles said he jokingly referred to George Jaramillo as "The Great Satan," but that he was serious when he told federal agents he believed Jaramillo might bring him harm if he found out he was talking with them.

Upon further questioning from defense attorney Brian A. Sun, Feles also said that he thinks Jaramillo lies and cheats to achieve his objectives.

When Feles took the stand Thursday, he testified that Hoffman considered her law office a "love nest" for herself and Carona, and set up a savings account for the two of them under an obscure name because she thought that would help keep it secret.

"It was my understanding this account was to hide money from everybody," Feles said.

Feles provided the first intimate details of the affair between Carona and Hoffman. Their relationship had been rumored for years but was not confirmed until last year when the government disclosed the romance in its indictment.

Hanley is a Times staff writer.

christine.hanley@latimes.com