Hollister
– Settlement talks in the controversial Los Valientes civil
rights lawsuit continued this week, but both sides are being
tight-lipped about the details of any possible resolution.
Hollister – Settlement talks in the controversial Los Valientes civil rights lawsuit continued this week, but both sides are being tight-lipped about the details of any possible resolution.
San Benito County District Attorney John Sarsfield said Tuesday that his civil rights suit against Los Valientes and the anonymous group’s attorney, Mike Pekin, would likely be resolved before January, when his term in office ends.
Sarsfield brought suit against Pekin and the group in 2004 alleging they violated the civil rights of eight government officials and local business owners by means of extortion and by filing false lawsuits. That suit came on the heels of a lawsuit filed by Pekin in 2003 against the County of San Benito alleging that former Supervisor Richard Scagliotti used his position to profit in a land deal.
Sarsfield declined to discuss details of any proposed settlement offers.
“It just isn’t appropriate at this time,” he said. “But a settlement is definitely possible.”
The lawsuit, which has had far-reaching repercussions on county finances and government, had come to a virtual standstill earlier this year. After nearly two years of fighting between Pekin and Sarsfield, San Benito County Superior Court Judge Harry Tobias set a Dec. 11 trial date for the case during a brief hearing Monday. Sarsfield said the setting of a trial date is a milestone in the progression of the case. However, both Pekin and Sarsfield believe the case can be settled before going to trial.
Pekin said ongoing settlement talks in the case against him and Los Valientes were so vital that he couldn’t discuss them publicly.
“I won’t talk about it,” he said. “This is too important.”
Settlement talks began last week and both sides meet for a second time on Monday. A third settlement conference has been scheduled for Aug. 7, Sarsfield said.
“Everyone has been very professional,” the prosecutor said. “The judge has been very helpful in getting everyone to the table.”
Sarsfield’s lawsuit has created controversy throughout the county since it was filed in 2004. The district attorney’s office has spent more than $115,000 prosecuting the case to date. Sarsfield’s spending on the case led the Board of Supervisors to declare that it has “no confidence” in the district attorney in March. Several County Supervisors have long advocated for a settlement in the case. Allegations made by both Pekin and Sarsfield have never been proven in a court of law.
Brett Rowland covers public safety for the Free Lance. He can be reached at 831-637-5566 ext. 330 or [email protected].
