Councilman Gutierrez arrested
Councilman Rex Gutierrez was arrested at his home on two felony charges stemming from an investigation into operations at the San Bernardino County Assessor's office.Gutierrez, 49, was booked into West Valley Detention Center on one count of misappropriation of public funds and one count of grand theft, according to a statement from the District Attorney's Office. His booking photo from this morning is pictured.
Susan Mickey, spokeswoman from the D.A.'s office, would not give any details of the alleged theft, citing the ongoing criminal investigation.
Bail for Gutierrez was set at $45,000. If convicted of the charges, he could face up to four years in state prison, according to prosecutors.
The arrest is a result of a major investigation by the District Attorney's Office Public Integrity Unit into alleged misconduct by former Assessor Bill Postmus and his executive staff. Gutierrez served as Postmus' intergovernmental relations officer for 18 months.
Although Rex G. should not be prejudged, the pressure to pursue higher office and to curry favor with other officials opens the door for persons to "play games" with the process. Mutual back scratching is the norm, and given the fact that San Bernardino operated out of the spotlight, the more you dig the more crimes will be unearthed.
My message to all the other sitting officials, is "that he/she that is without sin,2 should not thrown stones"
The law is gonna get to ya eventually!
Rex is being railroaded. If every public employee was charged for using the countie's time for personal use, they would all be in jail
Hang in there, Rex