New Santa Ana | Category Archives: Carlos Bustamante

Supervisors Spitzer and Do want to cut Bustamante’s government pension

Posted on March 14, 2016 by Art Pedroza Posted in Andrew Do, Carlos Bustamante, Crime, Orange County, Santa Ana, Todd Spitzer 2 Comments

Supervisor Todd Spitzer and Supervisor Andrew Do Demand OCERS to Cut Convicted Felon Carlos Bustamante’s Government Pension After Guilty Plea

(Orange County, CA) – Supervisor Todd Spitzer and Supervisor Andrew Do called on the Orange County Employees’ Retirement System (OCERS) to strip Carlos Bustamante of part of his taxpayer pension in light of his criminal conviction and sentence on three felony counts that include attempted sexual battery by restraint, stalking, and grand theft by false pretenses.

“The public is sick and tired of people like Bustamante and Former Sheriff Carona being convicted of felony conduct while in office and then riding off into the sunset with their full taxpayer paid for pensions,” said Supervisor Todd Spitzer. Continue reading→

Restitution sought from former Orange County employee Carlos Bustamante

Posted on January 22, 2016 by Art Pedroza Posted in Carlos Bustamante, Civic Affairs, Courts, Crime, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

County Seeks Restitution from Former Employee Sentenced for Crimes

The County of Orange formally asked a judge Friday to order former employee Carlos Bustamante to pay restitution as part of his sentencing for multiple crimes committed while he was an employee.

Bustamante, a former executive manager for OC Public Works, was sentenced to 360 days in a city jail and five years’ probation, and will be required to register as a sex offender. He pleaded guilty in December to felony counts of stalking, attempted sexual battery by restraint and grand theft by false pretense, as well as misdemeanor counts of false imprisonment, assault and attempted sexual battery. Continue reading→

Former Santa Ana Councilman Carlos Bustamante is now a registered sex offender

Posted on January 22, 2016 by Art Pedroza Posted in Carlos Bustamante, Civic Affairs, Crime, OCDA, Politics, Republican Party, Santa Ana 7 Comments

ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY PRESS RELEASE

Case # 12CF1964

Date: January 22, 2016

FORMER SANTA ANA CITY COUNCILMAN AND HIGH-RANKING EXECUTIVE FOR COUNTY OF ORANGE SENTENCED FOR COMMITTING SEXUAL ASSAULTS AND THEFT OF PUBLIC FUNDS

SANTA ANA, Calif. – A former Santa Ana City Councilman and high-ranking executive for the County of Orange was sentenced today for sexually assaulting his subordinates and committing grand theft of public funds. Carlos Bustamante,50, Santa Ana, pleaded guilty Dec. 18, 2015, to one felony count of stalking, one felony count of attempted sexual battery by restraint, one felony count of grand theft by false pretense, two misdemeanor counts of false imprisonment, one misdemeanor count of assault, and one misdemeanor count of attempted sexual battery. Bustamante was sentenced to 364 days in jail, five years of formal probation, ordered to pay restitution, and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. Bustamante is required to surrender himself to custody Feb. 26, 2016, the time and location are to be determined and reported to the court at a hearing scheduled on Feb. 19, 2016, at 9:00 a.m. in Department C-30, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.

“I want to thank all victims and witnesses that bravely came forward in the face of fear and retaliation from a well-connected politician,” said District Attorney Tony Rackauckas. “No one is above the law, especially those who abuse their power of authority over their subordinates to sexually assault and harass them.” Continue reading→

Former Santa Ana Councilman Bustamante convicted of sexual assaults and theft of public funds

Posted on December 18, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Carlos Bustamante, Civic Affairs, Crime, OCDA, Orange County, Politics, Santa Ana 10 Comments

ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY PRESS RELEASE

Case # 12CF1964

Date: December 18, 2015

FORMER SANTA ANA CITY COUNCILMAN AND HIGH-RANKING EXECUTIVE FOR COUNTY OF ORANGE CONVICTED OF SEXUAL ASSAULTS AND THEFT OF PUBLIC FUNDS

SANTA ANA, Calif. – A former Santa Ana City Councilman and high-ranking executive for the County of Orange was convicted today of sexually assaulting subordinates and committing grand theft of public funds. Carlos Bustamante,50, Santa Ana, pleaded guilty today, Dec. 18, 2015, to one felony count of stalking, one felony count of attempted sexual battery by restraint, one felony count of grand theft by false pretense, two misdemeanor counts of false imprisonment, one misdemeanor count of assault, and one misdemeanor count of attempted sexual battery. He is expected to be sentenced to one year in jail, five years of formal probation, restitution, and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration in January 2016, in Department C-30, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana. The date and time are to be determined.

Benavides welcomes Bustamante back to the City Council chambers

Posted on August 7, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Carlos Bustamante, Civic Affairs, David Benavides, Erika Carranza, Politics, Restaurants, Santa Ana 10 Comments

Disgraced former Santa Ana Councilman Carlos Bustamante returned to the City Council Chambers at this Tuesday’s City Council meeting, where he was warmly welcomed by his old friend, Councilman David Benavides.

Bustamante and Benavides have been friends for year although they hail from different political parties. Bustamante is a Republican and Benavides is a Democrat. They flew to Washington DC together a few years back when then President George W. Bush invited Bustamante to a Cinco de Mayo celebration for the GOP. Lord knows what those two did while their wives were back home! Continue reading→

Charges against Carlos Bustamante reduced again by a second Judge

Posted on January 19, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Carlos Bustamante, Crime, Politics, Santa Ana 2 Comments

Judge John D. Conley on Friday dismissed several sex-related felony charges against Carlos Bustamante, a former Santa Ana City Councilman and Orange County Public Works administrator, who still faces felony counts of false imprisonment, stalking, attempted sexual battery and grand theft, plus four misdemeanors, according to the O.C. Register.

Conley’s ruling mirrors a previous ruling from Judge Kazuharu Makino, who oversaw Bustamante’s preliminary hearing in May 2014. Makino tossed out multiple felony charges for lack of evidence. Continue reading→

The owner of American Barbershop is opening a German sausage restaurant in DTSA

Posted on August 17, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Alcohol, Bars, Carlos Bustamante, Food, George Mendoza, Restaurants, Santa Ana 16 Comments

Wurst Haus

By now you have surely read about the racial fracas that occurred near the American Barbershop, in Downtown Santa Ana, last Friday. But did you know that the owner of that enterprise, George Mendoza, is also working on opening a new restaurant called Wursthaus, across the street from his barber shop, at 305 E. 4th St., #106?

The Wursthaus restaurant plans to open at 305 E. Fourth St., near the Frida Cinema. Gabriel Ruiz and George Mendoza plan to serve gourmet sausages, side dishes, wine and craft beers at the German-themed eatery. The 2,000-square-foot space will seat 85 and operate from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday to Thursday and until 4 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays, according to the O.C. Register.

What you may not know is that reportedly disgraced former Santa Ana Councilman Carlos Bustamante is an investor in this new business. That could lead to some odd marketing – come try Bustamante’s hot sausage! No bueno… Continue reading→

Will Bustamante’s new lawyers expose the corruption at the County of Orange?

Posted on June 15, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Carlos Bustamante, Crime, OCDA, Orange County, Politics, Republican Party, Santa Ana, Todd Spitzer 1 Comment

Carlos Bustamante dragged off in handcuffs

When Costa Mesa attorney Steve Young last ran for office, in 2012, he said that “Democrats can’t simply run against the culture of corruption in Washington.”

Perhaps he was serious. Young is now one of Carlos Bustamante’s lawyers. You remember Bustamante? A former Santa Ana Councilman who was brought into the halls of the County of Orange and turned into a darling of the OC GOP? Only to find himself arrested and charged with multiple felonies and misdemeanors stemming from sexual harassment charges?

Here’s the deal. Bustamante now admits that he had sex with all sorts of women at the County of Orange but he says it was consensual. He has paid bitterly for his misbehavior – losing his job and his wife. But his lawyers, Young and another lawyer named Gina L. Kershaw, say that he was set up. So was he? Continue reading→

The County of Orange warns employees that the Bustamante hearings are starting

Posted on May 16, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Carlos Bustamante, Crime, Santa Ana 4 Comments

May 16, 2014

To: Orange County Employees
From: Chairman Shawn Nelson, Supervisor, 4th District
Michael B. Giancola, County Executive Officer

Subject: Bustamante Case

On Monday, a preliminary hearing will begin in the criminal case against former OC Public Works executive Carlos Bustamante. Mr. Bustamante is charged with 12 felony counts for alleged conduct between 2003 and 2011 when he worked for the County, including sexual assault, false imprisonment and stalking.

Preliminary hearings are held in criminal cases to determine if there is enough evidence to justify taking the defendant to trial on the charges. You will very likely be reading and hearing reports about the hearing, including comments and opinions about the County, its policies and procedures, and specific County employees, either past or current. We expect that all of the victims will be testifying. Continue reading→

Exclusive – Mayor Pulido responds to latest unfair VOC slam on him

Posted on November 15, 2013 by Art Pedroza Posted in Carlos Bustamante, Civic Affairs, David Benavides, Michele Martinez, Miguel Pulido, Politics, Sal Tinajero, Santa Ana, Vince Sarmiento 5 Comments

OCEA boss Nick Berardino has a grudge with Mayor Pulido

The Voice of OC is reporting that Santa Ana Mayor Miguel Pulido voted for a $1.35-million no-bid city contract with a local auto parts firm just over a year after he and members of his family purchased a home from the store owner for $230,000 less than its fair market value.

As usual when the VOC attacks Pulido you have to dig a little deeper to figure out how contrived these attacks are. I spoke to Mayor Pulido and he was happy to explain what happened. Continue reading→

Poll: Will you vote for Reyna or Pulido for Mayor in 2014?

Posted on October 16, 2013 by Art Pedroza Posted in 2014 Elections, Carlos Bustamante, David Benavides, Miguel Pulido, Politics, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Roman Reyna and Carlos Bustamante

Multiple sources have confirmed tonight that Santa Ana Councilman Roman Reyna will be running against Santa Ana Mayor in 2014.

Who will you vote for? Be sure to vote in our poll, above. Continue reading→

Judge turns down the Voice of OC’s request for Bustamante records

Posted on September 4, 2013 by Art Pedroza Posted in Carlos Bustamante, Courts, Crime, Orange County, Santa Ana 1 Comment

Judge Denies Voice of OC Request for Bustamante Records

By NICK GERDA, Voice of OC

A Superior Court judge on Tuesday denied Voice of OC’s request under the California Public Records Act for documents showing what top county officials knew when they allowed former executive Carlos Bustamante to quietly resign in October 2011, months before District Attorney Tony Rackauckas charged Bustamante with a dozen felony sex crimes against female employees.

In turning down the request, Judge David McEachen wrote that his civil court “has no power” to overturn a June 24 protective order issued by a criminal court hearing Bustamante’s case. Continue reading→

Carlos Bustamante’s wife appears to have filed for a legal separation

Posted on April 12, 2013 by Art Pedroza Posted in Carlos Bustamante, Courts, Crime, Santa Ana 6 Comments

More Carlos Bustamante

Embattled former Santa Ana City Councilman Carlos Bustamante is busy trying to fight a huge criminal case that has seen him charged with numerous felony sex crimes and public theft. But now he may be fighting another battle, in a different court.

A source tipped me off that Bustamante’s wife, Adrianna, apparently filed for a legal separation on March 26, 2013. Attorney Steven P. Dragna is listed as the petitioner’s lawyer, according to court records. She filed under her full maiden name of Hilda Adrianna Pichardo. Continue reading→

Could Roman Reyna be the next Carlos Bustamante?

Posted on March 19, 2013 by Art Pedroza Posted in Al Mijares, Carlos Bustamante, Orange County, Republican Party, Rob Richardson, Roman Reyna, Santa Ana, SAUSD 9 Comments

Roman Reyna and Carlos Bustamante

Funny how history has a habit of repeating itself. A few years ago a Santa Ana Councilman got a job as an Orange County middle manager. He proceeded to get promoted repeatedly, despite an obvious lack of talent. And eventually he was arrested for allegations of sexual harassment and sex crimes, as well as public theft. His name was Carlos Bustamante.

Bustamante was recruited to the County of Orange, reportedly, by Assistant OC CEO Rob Richardson, who is a Trustee on the Santa Ana School Board. Both are Republicans as well.

Now we come to find out that Councilman Roman Reyna, who has even less education than Bustamante did, with naught but a high school diploma, has scored a job as a Case Manager at the Orange County Department of Education, according to Reyna’s city bio. Continue reading→

Benavides and Reyna back gay militants instead of Vietnamese families

Posted on March 15, 2013 by Art Pedroza Posted in Carlos Bustamante, David Benavides, LGBT, Little Saigon, Santa Ana, Vietnamese, Westminster 7 Comments

Roman Reyna and David Benavides

Santa Ana Councilman David Benavides recently called for a review of city policies related to issuing public events permits to ensure such events are staged in a nondiscriminatory way,” according to the O.C. Register. They also reported that:

“If we don’t have a no-discrimination clause, the city attorney will come back with options on how we can ensure that a special event that takes place on city property is inclusive of all parties,” Benavides said Thursday.

Benavides said he and fellow Councilman Roman Reyna were scheduled to participate in this year’s parade but pulled out after the LGBT group was banned. “It was a discriminatory decision,” Benavides said. Continue reading→