Posts Tagged: corruption

It’s right out of Hollywood: The FBI affidavit detailing the far-flung undercover probe that snared state Sen. Leland Yee on gun-running and corruption charges has colorful characters, plots within plots, new underworld slang, global connections and deep-cover operatives — just for starters. During the past nine months, the Capitol has been rocked by corruption charges. But the dramatic, 137-page document unveiled this week goes far beyond the Capitol-linked corruption allegations against Yee, who withdrew Thursday as a candidate for secretary of state.

Three state Senators – one convicted of voter fraud and perjury and the other two facing federal corruption charges – were suspended from office Friday effective immediately. The Senate voted 28-1 to suspend Sens. Leland Yee of San Francisco, Ron Calderon of Montebello and Rod Wright of Inglewood – all Democrats.

In the months since the FBI raided the offices of Senator Ron Calderon, the most interesting thing that’s happened in the State Capitol is what hasn’t happened in the State Capitol. Unlike broader efforts for political reform that accompanied previous corruption scandals, there has been barely a peep from California politicians of either party about the need to clean up a system that has become consumed by non-stop fundraising.

Judge: Feds should answer Calderon’s claims about illegal leaks, sting

by JOHN HOWARD posted 11.14.2013

State Sen. Ron Calderon, whose Capitol offices were raided as part of an FBI undercover sting, says federal authorities illegally leaked information and pressured him to wear a hidden microphone in a purported corruption probe of Senate Leader Darrell Steinberg (above) and a colleague. Calderon said he refused, prompting retaliation from federal agents. On Thursday, a judge ordered federal authorities to respond to Calderon’s allegations. (Photo: Rich Pedroncelli/AP)