USA: Former South Gate treasurer’s conviction reduced

16 April 2013. On Monday the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that jurors were wrongly instructed that former South Gate treasurer Albert T Robles could be found guilty of corruption by failing to disclose financial conflicts of interest. A jury convicted him for taking $2 million in bribes from contractors. He is currently serving a 10 year imprisonment in federal prison. He was former mayor, councilman, treasurer, and deputy city manager for the City of South Gate, California.

The appeal court acquitted him of three charges and ordered the trial judge to consider how to proceed with the charges it dismissed.

His business associate, George Garrido, also had his charges set aside. His case will also be considered by the trial judge. Garrido is serving a prison sentence of 4 1/2 years.