Don Haidl

Former Orange County Assistant Sheriff Don Haidl has claimed he won his position after exchanging gifts and cash incentives with then-Sheriff Michael Carona.Los Angeles Times: Michael Carona's Case Sure Resembles Ted Stevens' (October 24, 2008) A businessman from Newport Beach, Haidl pleaded guilty to federal tax charges in 2007 and also agreed to help prosecutors with their investigation of Carona. Haidl secretly taped recordings of himself and Carona agreeing on falsehoods to tell investigators.My Fox Los Angeles: Former OC Sheriff Mike Carona's Trial Begins (October 29, 2008) Haidl's credibility has been questioned by the defense team because of his role in the bribes.OC Register: Ex-Sheriff Again Asks for Change of Trial Venue (October 22, 2008)

Haidl reportedly gave the cash and gifts to Carona in exchange for the role of Assistant Sheriff. He hoped to help his son Greg, a minor at the time, get a lighter sentence for a 2002 gang sexual assault case.My Fox Los Angeles: Former OC Sheriff Mike Carona's Trial Begins (October 29, 2008) Haidl hired a team of lawyers for his son and retired from the sheriff's department in September 2004, citing the trial as his reason. Greg was tried as an adult and served six years in prison.OC Register: Haidl Chronology (September 25, 2004)

"Don Haidl can blow the cover off of everything they did together. Don Haidl will tell you what happened and, more important, the 'secret' Mike Carona will tell you what happened." -- Brett Sagel, U.S. AttorneyMy Fox Los Angeles: Former OC Sheriff Mike Carona's Trial Begins (October 29, 2008)