Jan 16, 2009 2:43 pm US/Pacific
Mike Carona Cleared Of All But 1 Tampering Charge
SANTA ANA, Calif. (CBS) ―
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A jury cleared Mike Carona of all but one charge in a lengthy corruption trial.
AP
A jury Friday acquitted former Orange County Sheriff Mike Carona of all but one count of witness tampering in a lengthy corruption trial against the former head of the nation's fifth largest sheriffs department.
Carona, 53, who Larry King dubbed "America's sheriff" after the capture of 5-year-old Samantha Runnion's killer, was cleared of one count of conspiracy, three counts of mail fraud and a second count of witness tampering.
A shaking Carona reportedly put his head on a courtroom table and sobbed loudly when he learned of his near exoneration.
Carona was indicted in October 2007 and left his post just three months later.
Current Sheriff Sandra Hutchens released a statement shortly after the proceeding.
"The men and women of the Orange County Sheriff's Department are relieved that the court proceedings have concluded. The charges served as a distraction to the outstanding work of the rank and file of this department. The department has initiated many changes; it is important that we all look toward the future," she said.
"The residents and businesses we serve can rest assured that we remain focused on our core values of integrity without compromise, service above self, professionalism in the performance of duty and vigilance in safeguarding our community."
(© 2008 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)
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