In December, investigators from District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis’ office raided the homes of current and former Sweetwater Union High School District board members. On Jan. 13, Jesus Gandara, Pearl Quinones, Arlie Ricasa, Greg Sandoval and construction executive Henry Amigable entered not guilty pleas in what Dumanis called “the largest public corruption case” her office has ever seen.
During the school district’s first board meeting of the year today, Quinones and Ricasa, in addition to fellow board members John McCann, Jim Cartmill and Bertha Lopez will discuss the possibility of the school district paying legal fees for the accused.
Though not charged, Lopez is also asking for $100,000 to cover her legal expenses brought on since the raid.
In all, a little more than $1 million could be used to defend the elected officials against the corruption charges.
The board meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. in closed session, with the regular meeting set to begin around 6:30 p.m at Hilltop High School, 555 Claire Ave. in Chula Vista.
The Star-News will attempt to broadcast portions of the meeting live. To view the event click here.
Readers may also follow developments by following reporter Allison Sampité on Twitter here: @starnewschisme.
This story was updated at 2:44 p.m.
