Corruption Suspects Score Victories

Four men indicted in the San Bernardino County corruption case involving the Colonies Crossroads shopping center successfully petitioned the San Bernardino County Superior Court to have some charges against them dismissed.

The judge announced his decision in a 10-page tentative ruling.

Developer Jeffrey Burum, 48, had five of his seven charges dropped as a result of a demurrer, or challenge to the complaint, filed by his attorneys. The other men -- former San Bernardino County Supervisor Paul Biane, 47; Jim Erwin, 48, former chief of staff to Neil Derry; and Mark Kirk, 36, former chief of staff to Supervisor Gary Ovitt -- each had one charge dropped as a result of demurrers.

The men then entered pleas of not guilty for the remaining charges and were ordered back to court on Aug. 31.

The judge dismissed parts of the conspiracy charge against Burum. The judge also dismissed counts of aiding and abetting bribery and aiding and abetting in misappropriation of public funds. He still faces part of the conspiracy charge and with aiding and abetting in a conflict of interest by a legislator.

Each of his fellow defendants also had at least one charge dismissed relating to either misappropriation of funds or conspiracy, but still face the bulk of their charges.

The men were implicated in a $102 million bribery scheme by a San Bernardino County Grand Jury and initially charged on 29 counts of conspiracy to commit bribery, misappropriation of public funds, improper influence and conflict of interest.

The men were arrested in connection with an alleged scheme involving Colonies Partners, L.P., and flood control improvements on 434 acres of land in Upland on which the Colonies Crossroads shopping center sits now.