Retrial In Bell Corruption Case Unlikely Until Early 2014

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — An effort to retry former officials of the city of Bell on misappropriation charges moved forward Wednesday.

KNX 1070's Pete Demetriou reports the district attorney's office took the first steps toward getting a judge to hear their case.

Superior Court Judge Kathleen Kennedy scheduled a July 2 pretrial hearing for former Bell Mayor Oscar Hernandez and former council members Teresa Jacobo, George Mirabal, George Cole and Victor Bello.

Jurors in March convicted the five defendants of some counts of misappropriation of public funds and acquitted them on other charges. The jury was deadlocked on the remaining misappropriation counts.

Deputy D.A. Ed Miller will step down from the case, while Max Huntsman and Sean Hassett will handle the retrial.

Kennedy also gave defense lawyers time to consult with their clients to see if they will continue in their roles. At least three of the defendants' attorneys have indicated they might not return.

The retrial could take place as early as January after the trial of Robert Rizzo, the former city manager, and his assistant Angela Spacia.