SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — The California Legal professional Basic’s Workplace has declined to become involved within the Batmobile raid saga.
The ABC7 Information I-Staff first advised you about San Mateo County Sheriff Carlos Bolanos sending a workforce of investigators to raid the Batmobile storage in Indiana after a grievance from a rich realtor and donor. This does not come as a shock to many individuals concerned, however it’s a setback for that Batmobile storage proprietor.
EXCLUSIVE: Batmobile raid listening to cancelled, San Mateo DA considers dropping case
The central query on this controversy – was it correct for San Mateo County Sheriff Carlos Bolanos to ship 4 investigators to raid this Batmobile storage in Indiana? Bolanos admits he did that, after a rich realtor who donated to his marketing campaign referred to as the sheriff, upset that the $210,000 Batmobile he ordered had been delayed.
San Mateo County Board of Supervisors President Don Horsley advised the I-Staff on Aug. 9, “It appears to me, and I feel to most residents, like that is actually sort of a civil matter.”
Horsley mentioned the county requested Legal professional Basic Rob Bonta to assessment the sheriff’s dealing with of the case.
“How this rose to a legal matter I feel the general public justifiably needs to know. And I feel we’ve got a duty to get that reply for the general public,” mentioned Horsley.
Now, we’ve got a solution. The lawyer basic won’t examine, telling the county, “Though your letter identifies notable considerations, it doesn’t allege that the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Workplace dedicated a criminal offense,” including, “Whereas the California Division of Justice has the authority to supervise the California Sheriffs and District Attorneys, the Division solely takes that extraordinary step when there’s a compelling want.”
ORIGINAL EXCLUSIVE REPORT: NorCal sheriff orders raid on Indiana Batmobile storage
We requested Batmobile storage proprietor Mark Racop for his response Friday.
“I am very dissatisfied, Dan. I actually had excessive hopes that this may be a turning level,” mentioned Racop.
Racop has considerations he can get a good shake in San Mateo County given the shut private relationships of officers concerned.
State Legal professional Basic Rob Bonta endorsed Carlos Bolanos in his dropping marketing campaign for sheriff this yr. Bonta’s Particular Assistant Legal professional Basic who reviewed the Batmobile matter, Mike Redding, used to work for San Mateo County District Legal professional Steve Wagstaffe. Wagstaffe continuously appeared at marketing campaign occasions with Sheriff Bolanos; they each donated to one another’s campaigns.
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Dan Noyes: “Is it unfair to lift that query?
Daniel Barton: “No, it is the query that we have to ask.”
Daniel Barton is Mark Racop’s protection lawyer.
“And I do not assume there is a dependable reply about whether or not these issues that would create improper relationships and motives for corruption really did on this case.”
After the I-Staff’s Dan Noyes broke the story in July, District Legal professional Steve Wagstaffe ordered a second take a look at the choice to cost Racop with Acquiring Cash by False Pretenses, and Diversion of Building Funds.
VIDEO: San Mateo Co. residents demand solutions after Indiana Batmobile storage raid
Wagstaffe advised us, “I mentioned, ‘Hey, what about this, this and this.’ I would like some extra element, earlier than we make a ultimate choice on whether or not this case will go ahead or not.”
That interview, from final month. Wagstaffe was out of the workplace Friday however his deputy heading this re-assessment, Sean Gallagher, despatched an e mail, “Our choice can be based mostly solely on the details of this case and the relevant legislation.”
Daniel Barton provides, “I feel that San Mateo County District Legal professional Steve Wagstaffe is able to being the grownup within the room. And I do not assume he needs to tolerate corruption in his county, and utilizing public assets to offer political favors to your pals is corruption.”
The county has employed a retired decide to assessment the matter. However they’ve additionally employed an lawyer for Sheriff Bolanos who’s arguing the county has no proper to assessment what the sheriff does. The tab for taxpayers on this retains climbing.
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