The AP and OC Register report that Sheriff Michael Carona will announce his resignation today in order to better focus on the case against him. We were sitting here pinching ourselves when we wandered over to the OCSD blog and read this statement from Carona. Guess it ain't a dream:
Over the past few weeks it has become clear to me that the interests of the Orange County Sheriff's Department and the residents of Orange County would be best served if I am not distracted from my duties while defending the charges recently brought against me by the federal government. As a consequence, I have worked closely with my staff to assure that my departure from the Orange County Sheriff Department will not materially disrupt its operations or the very capable leadership structure that I have been privileged to work with over the years. Undersheriff Galisky, the Assistant Sheriffs and the more than 4000 members of the Orange County Sheriff's Department have responded to this challenge with the level of deep commitment and excellent service which the residents of this county have come to expect and enjoy.
With a heavy heart, I therefore announce my retirement as Sheriff, effective today. Although this is one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made, my family, my staff and my lawyers all believe that this is the right time to take my retirement. This action will permit me to focus on vindicating my name and refuting the false charges which have been made against me and my wife.
I have asked Undersheriff JoAnn Galisky to fulfill my duties of Sheriff until a successor is appointed by the Board of Supervisors following a thoughtful candidate search. Undersheriff Galisky respectfully declined due to personal commitments she must attend to. Therefore, in an effort to restructure management and ensure continuity I have returned JoAnn Galisky to the rank of Assistant Sheriff and I thanked Assistant Sheriff Dan Martini for his years of service and released him from his commitments to the organization.
Finally, I have appointed Assistant Sheriff Jack Anderson appointed Assistant Sheriff Jack Anderson as the second in command and the Chief of Staff.
Assistant Sheriff Anderson has a long and distinguished career in the Orange County Sheriff's Department and is one of our most respected members. I am confident that I leave the Orange County Sheriff's Department knowing that it is in very capable hands.
I wish my successor as Sheriff, and the people of this great county the very best. It has been an honor and privilege to serve. I hope that when my current legal circumstances are behind me, I will have another opportunity to serve our community.
Read the whole thing here. And don't bother clicking that button for audio. . .unless you want the most mechanical voice in the world to read you the message.
P.S. Former sheriff, what about those tapes we asked you to play?
