Feds Raid Calif. Capitol for First Time in 25 Years

State senator is target of corruption probe, sources say
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Jun 5, 2013 3:03 AM CDT
Feds Raid Calif. Capitol for First Time in 25 Years
State Sen. Ron Calderon, D-Monterey Park, speaks at the Capitol in Sacramento, Calif.    (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

FBI agents swooped down on the offices of a California state senator and the Latino Legislative Caucus in the first raid of its kind in the state's Capitol since the "Shrimpscam" corruption scandal 25 years ago, the Los Angeles Times reports. Law enforcement sources say Sen. Ron Calderon—a member of a political dynasty that goes back decades—is the target of a corruption probe with its roots in Los Angeles County.

After a search that lasted long into the night, investigators emerged from Calderon's offices with multiple boxes. The senator's lawyer, Mark Geragos—whose previous clients include Chris Brown and Michael Jackson—says the FBI has "no case" and is hassling an innocent man. "They leak the search warrant, but won't reveal information about the investigation. It's sinful how the FBI just shows up," he tells CNN. "Senator Calderon is a victim of this agency that has no moral compass." (More Ron Calderon stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X