3 Arrested In San Bernardino County Corruption Probe

SAN BERNARDINO (AP) — Three people have been arrested in the ongoing Colonies Partners LP corruption probe in San Bernardino County, and a fourth is at large.

Sheriff's records show Colonies co-managing partner Jeffrey Burum, Supervisor Gary Ovitt's former chief of staff Mark Kirk and former assistant assessor James Erwin were arrested at 7 a.m. Tuesday.

The San Bernardino County Sun says charges against 48-year-old Burum, 36-year-old Kirk and 48-year-old Erwin include bribery, embezzlement, conspiracy and other charges. Burum's bail is $10 million and Kirk and Erwin are being held on $2 million bail each.

District Attorney Michael Ramos is telling a news conference Tuesday that a fourth person is a fugitive following a 29-count indictment in the case.

Prosecutors have alleged that a $102 million settlement approved in 2006 by supervisors to settle a lawsuit with the Rancho Cucamonga developer was tainted by bribery.

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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)