Federal Judge Sets July 15 to Begin Trial of Ex-Judges, Lawyer in Bribery Scandal

SAN DIEGO — A federal judge has set July 15 for the trial of two ex-judges and a trial attorney accused in a bribery scandal.

U.S. District Judge Edward Rafeedie also ended efforts Friday by federal prosecutors to strip one of the ex-judges, G. Dennis Adams, of his public defender.

A judge magistrate had allowed Adams to retain noted public defender Mario Conte but said the former Superior Court judge will have to reimburse the government for Conte’s services, which will still be less expensive than hiring a private attorney. Federal prosecutors had sought to force Adams to hire a private attorney.

Rafeedie said he does not want to slow the trial by hearing arguments over who will represent one of the defendants. Prosecutors said they will not appeal Rafeedie’s decision. Adams has asserted that he lacks money to hire a private attorney.

On Thursday, Adams filed for divorce from his wealthy wife in an effort to shield her from having to pay his legal bills.

Rafeedie’s court is in Los Angeles but he has been assigned the case because all judges on the federal bench here removed themselves because they know the defendants. Charged are Adams, ex-Superior Court Judge James Malkus and attorney Patrick Frega.