Mike Carona

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Michael S. Carona (born May 23, 1955) is the former Sheriff-Coroner of Orange County, California. The Sheriff is the elected head of the Orange County Sheriff's Department. Carona, who resigned effective January 14, 2008, was indicted for federal corruption charges. He gained national prominence during the hunt for the killer of Samantha Runnion. After the quick capture of her murderer, Alejandro Avila, late night television host Larry King dubbed him "America's Sheriff" during an interview. In 2007, a federal grand jury indicted Carona, his wife, and his alleged longtime mistress on corruption charges. He is currently free on bail and took paid leave while with the sheriff's department.

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[edit] Early life

Born in Santa Monica in Los Angeles County, Carona holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Management from the University of Redlands and two Master of Arts degrees in Management from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona and the University of Redlands. Carona graduated from the OCSD training academy in 1976. He was assigned to the County Marshal's Department, where he worked as a deputy for 12 years.

[edit] Law enforcement

In 1988, at the age 33, Carona was appointed as the Marshal of Orange County. After 11 years as Marshal, Carona was elected by popular vote as the Sheriff of Orange County in 1998. Carona ran unopposed during his re-election campaign in 2002 and began his second term in 2003.

In 2003, President George W. Bush appointed Michael Carona to the federal Emergency Response Senior Advisory Committee on Homeland Security. On 15 November 2007, the Department of Homeland Security asked for, and received Sheriff Carona's resignation from the task force, citing distractions due to the federal charges he is facing.[1]

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger appointed Carona as a commissioner in the California State Athletic Commission in September of 2004, citing such achievements as his 3rd degree black belt in Taekwondo. He remained there until August of 2005.

On June 6, 2006, Carona was elected to a third term as Sheriff. Carona put one of his opponents, Bill Hunt, on administrative leave a few days later (Hunt was the only one of his opponents who was an employee of OCSD). Six months later, Carona announced the demotion of Hunt to a rank just above entry-level. Hunt opted to retire instead.

Carona identifies with his Sicilian heritage, having explicitly noted it in his biography on the Orange County Sheriff's Department website. He became a lodge member of the Order of the Sons of Italy in 1999. He is also a member of MENSA.[2]

[edit] Federal Indictment

On October 30, 2007, the Los Angeles Times reported that Carona had been indicted on federal corruption charges, alleging that he used his office for personal financial gain and urged a former associate to testify falsely before a grand jury. The indictment alleges that Carona received gifts including a boat, boxing tickets, and over $112,000 in cash in illegal, unreported gifts. If convicted on all counts, Carona faces 105 years in prison. His trial will begin on August 26, 2008. [3]

Carona announced on 2008-01-14 his immediate retirement from the sheriff's post so as to better concentrate on his defense.[4] Carona was replaced by Jack Anderson, who was one of his assistant sheriffs.

[edit] References

  1. ^ The Orange County Register. Sheriff forced to quit Homeland Security Task Force. Retrieved on 2008-04-12.
  2. ^ "They're Accomplished, They're Famous, and They're MENSANS" (July 2004). Mensa Bulletin (476): p. 31. American Mensa. ISSN 0025-9543. 
  3. ^ Pfeifer, Stuart. "Carona's trial is delayed 2 months", The Los Angeles Times, 2008-04-14. Retrieved on 2008-04-14. 
  4. ^ The Associated Press. Sheriff Mike Carona Announces Retirement. Retrieved on 2008-04-12.

[edit] External links