Two Fil-Ams plead not guilty in San Diego's largest corruption case

Two Filipino-Americans pleaded not guilty in what is being dubbed as the largest corruption case in San Diego County in California in the United States.

According to a report of the Asian Journal, the Fil-Ams who are accused of several charges — from perjury to filing a false document to giving or offering a bribe — were:

• Arlie Ricasa, 47, a trustee of Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHD), and
• construction executive Henry Amigable, 47.

The Asian Journal said three other persons were implicated in the case but pleaded not guilty:

• former SUHSD Superintendent Jesus Gandara, 55,
• trustee Pearl Quinones, 59, and
• former board member Greg Sandoval, 16.

   The report said Gandara, Sandoval, Quinones, and Ricasa are charged with perjury, filing a false document and/ or wrongful influence. On the other hand, Amigable is charged with giving or offering a bribe. The defendants were said to be part of a “pay-for-play” scheme. Amigable allegedly bribed SUHD officials in exchange for their votes on multi-million dollar construction projects. If convicted, the defendants face four to seven years in prison.

Quoting District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis, the report said the defendants from the school district allegedly "received tens of thousands of dollars worth of meals, tickets and hotel stays from construction companies vying for voter-approved bond projects.” “Shortly after board members received financial favors, they approved contracts with the contractors for bond projects stemming from Sweetwater’s $644 million Proposition O," Dumanis said.

The Asian Journal said the defendants are scheduled back in court again on March 23. - VVP, GMA News