$102 Million Bribery Scandal Rocks San Bernardino: Former County Supervisor Paul Biane Said to be a Fugitive
Updated after the jump with reaction from the San Bernardino League of Women Voters president, who says locals are sick of the years of corruption allegations there.![]()
What is this, New Jersey?
Four people, including three San Bernardino County public officials, have been indicted in a $102 million bribery scheme, according to state Attorney General Kamala Harris.
One of the illustrious indictees, former county Supervisor Paul Biane, can not be located and is considered a fugitive in the case.
The others caught up in the case include Mark Kirk, a former chief of staff for county Supervisor Gary Ovitt, James Erwin, the county's former assistant assessor, and developer Jeffrey Burum, whose Colonies Parnters, prosecutors allege, was the recipient of a $102 million settlement from the county received, in part, through $100,000 bribes.
The defendants face charges ranging from bribery to misappropriation of public funds.
The three men above were arrested and booked and all faced bail amounts above $1 million.
More to come ...
Added: The 29-count indictment was handed down yesterday by a grand jury, according to Harris' office.
The three in custody turned themselves in this morning, her office stated.
Biane was "charged with misappropriation of public funds, filing a fraudulent tax return, perjury, filing a false instrument, and two counts of bribery," according to the A.G.'s statement.
Kirk faced charges of "bribery, improper influence, forgery, filing a fraudulent tax return, willful failure to file a tax return, four counts of perjury, three counts of filing a false instrument, and four counts involving bribery."
Burum got hit with four counts of bribery related charges.






























