The Associated Press
SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) - A former Orange County assistant sheriff pleaded not guilty Wednesday to misusing public funds, charges stemming from a corruption investigation.
George Jaramillo, who was fired from his post in March, was charged with six felony counts of misappropriation of public money and four misdemeanor counts of conflict of interest.
Prosecutors allege he used Sheriff’s Department resources to benefit CHG Technologies Inc., a company that paid him $25,000 in consulting fees in 2000.
Jaramillo, who was named to his post because of his friendship with Orange County Sheriff Michael Carona, allegedly used patrol cars and a helicopter to demonstrate a device that would stop cars in pursuits with the push of a button.
In a statement, Carona called it a “sad day for law enforcement” if the charges are true.
“I am deeply disappointed that someone I placed in a position of trust may have misused their position and is now accused of serious crimes,” he said.
Jaramillo surrendered to authorities at the county jail and was expected to post bail of $25,000.
His sister-in-law, Erica Hill, pleaded not guilty to three counts of misappropriation of public funds and was also expected to be released on $25,000 bail. She was named general manager of CHG Technologies a few days after Jaramillo and his wife, Lisa, accepted $25,000 in consulting fees to promote the device.