The corruption trial of former Orange County Sheriff Michael Carona began this week, with federal prosecutors attempting to paint Carona as a greedy official who used his office for substantial personal gain.

Carona was elected as Orange County’s sheriff in 1998, and according to prosecutors, ran a crooked campaign in which donor contributions were reimbursed in order to permit a business associate to skirt campaign contribution limits. Prosecutors claim that Carona accepted more than $700,000 in kickbacks, cash and gifts while in office, and used much of the proceeds to entertain his mistress and his wife.

According to prosecutors, Carona’s 1997 campaign was funded by a multi-millionaire businessman who bought influence, reimbursed the campaign contributions of citizens, provided Carona with unlimited use of a private jet and yacht, and funded gambling junkets to Las Vegas for Carona, his mistress and his wife. Additionally, prosecutors allege that the businessman paid Carona $1,000 per month in cash.

The trial is expected to last several weeks.

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Photo Credit: Patrick Houette