SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) - A former Orange County manager has been ordered to stand trial on charges that he groped or engaged in other sexual misconduct with seven employees.
A judge ruled Tuesday that there’s enough evidence to try Carlos Bustamante on counts of stalking, attempted sexual battery, false imprisonment and other crimes. However, several counts were dismissed.
Prosecutors say Bustamante - a former Santa Ana city councilman - assaulted seven women between 2003 and 2012 when he worked for the county Public Works Department.
Prosecutors say he hugged, kissed and groped employees in his office. One woman has testified that he masturbated in front of her.
Bustamante’s attorney, James Riddet, tells City News Service that prosecutors engaged in misconduct and has argued that the case should be dismissed.
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