New Charges in Bell Corruption Scandal

The district attorney's office had previously brought more than 50 counts of misappropriation of public funds, conflict of interest, and falsifying public records, as well as other charges against Rizzo. Prosecutors charge that Rizzo devised a plan that ultimately created a colossal salary for himself and Spaccia, as well as other Bell officials. Rizzo's yearly salary and compensation package totaled $1.5 million while Spaccia received more than $375,000. Six former Bell City Council members each earned $100,000 annually for providing part time service. According to prosecutors, Rizzo and Spaccia increased their salaries immensely over the years through unapproved raises. Grand jury indictments charge that Rizzo and Spaccia used these illegally-obtained salaries to inflate their retirement packages. Furthermore, Rizzo and Spaccia are charged with instructing a subordinate to develop a sick time and vacation time policy that ultimately gave Rizzo an annual total of 26 weeks and the opportunity to cash out each year and receive about $1.5 million.

According to the grand jury indictments, Rizzo and Spaccia also falsified documents to hide the fact that the former Bell Police Chief, Randy Adams, was receiving an annual salary of $457,000. The indictments also charge Rizzo and Spaccia with hiding proof of an agreement with Adams that would enable him to retire on disability. Although Adams, Spaccia, and Rizzo were all removed from their jobs when their true salaries were disclosed, Adams has not been charged with any crime.

The grand jury indictment further cited one count of conflict of interest against Rizzo for enlisting the same law firm to perform legal work for the City of Bell while also representing him in a driving under the influence case.

While James Spertus, Rizzo's attorney, suggested that the new charges will probably not have a great impact on the overall outcome of the case, he did indicate that he intends to seek a change of venue, noting that Rizzo will not likely receive a fair trial in Los Angeles.

Russell Petti, Spaccia's attorney, defended Spaccia's altered retirement package, saying changes were only made in an attempt to align her pension, as well as the pensions of other Bell employees, with those of police officers and firemen. Petti also noted that because Spaccia was temporarily working for the city of Maywood, she could not have had any involvement in any documents concerning Adam's salary. In addition to the newest charges, Spaccia also faces a number of fraud charges, which were formerly brought forth by the district attorney.

Rizzo and Spaccia both pleaded not guilty to the new charges and were ordered to return to court on May 3, 2011 for a preliminary hearing. Judge Patricia M. Schnegg set bail at $200,000 for both Rizzo and Spaccia, but both were released on their own recognizance.