Fed Judge in Calif. Sentences “America’s Sheriff” to 5 1/2 Years in Prison

It’s a tough thing to live up to the unofficial title of “America’s Sheriff”. Obviously, ex-Sheriff Mike Carona found it to be a tough challenge. He failed.

By RACHANEE SRISAVASDI, LARRY WELBORN, JON CASSIDY and DOUG IRVING
The Orange County Register

SANTA ANA, Calif. – Former sheriff Mike Carona was sentenced Monday to 5 ½ years in federal prison by a judge who said Carona brought shame to Orange County and victimized the people he was sworn to serve.

Carona, the highest ranking law enforcement official ever prosecuted in Orange County, displayed no emotion. He sat with his head up and hands clasped on his knees as U.S. District Judge Andrew Guilford rejected his plea of probation.

He was allowed to remain free until July 24.

“Trust has been harmed here,” Guilford told Carona moments before reading his sentence. “Especially by this county’s leading law-enforcement officer.”

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