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Judge Tosses California's Case Against Bell Officials

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A case against former Bell officials alleging waste of public funds has been thrown out in a ruling.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Ralph Dau said Tuesday that the case brought by the state Attorney General's office was legislative in nature and should not be decided in the courts.

City News Service reports that the eight defendants named in the suit included former City Manager Robert Rizzo, recalled Mayor Oscar Hernandez and former police Chief Randy Adams.

Rizzo is charged with more than 50 counts for orchestrating a scam that nearly bankrupted the working-class suburb. Los Angeles Prosecutors said that in all, former Bell officials have looted more than $6 million of city money for lavish salaries and perks.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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