Politics & Government
Mike Carona Election Foe Wins Lawsuit
Former sheriff's lieutenant Bill Hunt, who headed San Clemente police services, was demoted after running against then-Sheriff Carona. Now, a judge rules he should be reinstated with back pay and calls Carona's actions "despicable."
Former OC sheriff's lieutenant Bill Hunt, who once headed police services in San Clemente, has won a lawsuit against the county over his demotion after running for sheriff against Mike Carona in 2006, the Orange County Register is reporting.
A judge ruled Hunt should be reinstated at his former rank and given back pay.
Hunt lost the election against Carona. Afterward, he was demoted to deputy and assigned to patrol in Stanton. He retired rather than take the demotion.
Find out what's happening in San Clementewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Orange County Superior Court Judge David T. McEachen, in his Dec. 7 decision, also fined the county $50,000 and said Hunt was entitled to attorney fees.
The judge said "Carona's conduct was egregious and despicable," and regretted that he was "unable to award any damages payable by Carona himself."
Find out what's happening in San Clementewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Hunt's attorney said his client plans to return to work at the department.
Read the full Register story here.
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