Water official trial update

A water district official charged with misdemeanor violations of election code began his trial today, but he didn't want to.

Albert Robles, board president for the Water Replenishment District, asked today for a delay in his trial on four misdemeanor counts that could each cost him six months in jail, plus up to a $10,000 fine if he is convicted. He might also be declared ineligible to run for public office for four years.

Robles, 38, wanted to postpone the trial until after the November election, as he is in the middle of a reelection campaign for his seat.

He said it was because the entire case against him is part of District Attorney Steve Cooley's vendetta against him, and the goal of the case is to derail his reelection campaign.

Deputy District Attorney Gary Neilsen denied those allegations in court. Judge Larry S. Knupp refused to continue the case, and jury selection began today.

Robles was charged in November of last year for allegedly sending campaign mailers without a return address in the 2005 campaign of acquaintances in a Pico Water Board race, and for making a campaign expenditure of more than $100.

This June, he ran against Cooley for District Attorney.

For more on Robles and his trial, check out tomorrow's Whittier Daily News.