Mike Carona

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Michael S. Carona (born May 23, 1955) is the Sheriff-Coroner of Orange County, California, the elected head of the Orange County Sheriff's Department, who gained national prominence began during the hunt for the killer of Samantha Runnion. After the quick capture of her murderer, Alejandro Avila, late night television host Larry King dubbed him "America's Sheriff" during an interview.

Born in Santa Monica in Los Angeles County, Carona holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Management from the University of Redlands and two Master of Arts degrees in Management from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona and the University of Redlands. Carona graduated from the OCSD training academy in 1976. He was assigned to the County Marshal's Department, where he worked as a deputy for 12 years.

In 1988, at the age 33, Carona was appointed as the Marshal of Orange County.

After 11 years as Marshal, Carona was elected by popular vote as the Sheriff of Orange County in 1998. Carona ran unopposed during his re-election campaign in 2002, beginning his second term in 2003.

In 2003, President George W. Bush appointed Michael Carona to the federal Emergency Response Senior Advisory Committee on Homeland Security, where he continues to advise the Secretary of Homeland Security.

California Governor Arnold Swarzenegger appointed Carona as a commissioner in the California State Athletic Commission in September of 2004, citing such achievements as his 3rd degree black belt in Taekwondo. He remained there until August of 2005.

On June 6, 2006, Carona was elected to a third term as Sheriff. Carona put one of his opponents, Bill Hunt, on administrative leave a few days later (Hunt was the only one of his opponents who was an employee of OCSD). Six months later, Carona announced the demotion of Hunt to a rank just above entry-level. Hunt opted to retire instead.

Carona identifies with his Sicilian heritage, having explicitly noted it in his biography on the Orange County Sheriff's Department website. He became a lodge member of the Order of the Sons of Italy in 1999. He is also a member of Mensa.^[1]

[edit] Controversies

Many controversy has surrounded Carona.

[edit] Rick Rizzolo

Rick Rizzolo, known to some as the "Strip Club Mogul," is probably one of Carona's most controversial bedfellows. He is the owner of a strip club in Las Vegas, Nevada called the Crazy Horse Too and is currently under investigation by the FBI, which has accused him of being an associate of the mafia.

Rizzolo and Carona were photographed together, arms over shoulders, at the The Ritz resturaunt in Newport Beach, owned by Fred Glusman. Furthering the establishment of a relationship, Rick Rizzolo has publicly made financial contributions to Mike Carona's 2006 campaign fund for Sheriff of Orange County.

[edit] Jaramillo scandal

Carona's former top aide, (now) ex-Assistant Sheriff George Jaramillo, is currently facing corruption charges for allegedly using department property and his position for personal gain. Jaramillo was fired by Carona.

[edit] Gang rape scandal

Another Assistant Sheriff, Don Haidl, quit amidst scandal (i.e., his teenage son's status as a co-defendant in a gang-rape case).

[edit] Questionable swear-ins

Carona has faced much criticism for giving badges and positions as "Reserve Deputies" to his political and financial supporters. Some of the badge recipients had little or no law enforcement training, prior to being sworn in. California's Peace Officer Standards & Training (P.O.S.T.) commission ordered many of these Reserve Deputies' commissions be rescinded.

[edit] Quotes

"Don't eat. Don't sleep...because we're coming after you." This quote became well known during the Samantha Runnion case. This was the exact message that he said when his department was looking for killer Alejandro Avila.

[edit] References

^ (July 2004) "They're Accomplished, They're Famous, and They're MENSANS". Mensa Bulletin (476): p. 31. ISSN 0025-9543.

[edit] External links

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