Booking Mugs of Baugh, Aides Released

SANTA ANA â€”  The booking photographs of Assemblyman Scott Baugh and two GOP aides who face campaign violation charges were released Friday by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, a move Baugh’s attorneys had fought.

Lawyers for the Huntington Beach Republican had argued in court that the photos would harm his chances of a fair trial or provide rivals with campaign fodder. But the booking numbers were excised and the photos do not resemble traditional mug shots.

The defendants, who have pleaded not guilty, are pictured smiling in front of a blue background. The removal of the booking numbers is routine, sheriff’s officials said.

Orange County Superior Court Judge David O. Carter ruled June 11 that the Sheriff’s Department would have final say on the distribution of the photographs of Baugh, his chief of staff, Maureen Werft, and campaign worker Rhonda Carmony.

Baugh’s attorney, Ron Brower, could not be reached for comment Friday evening.

Baugh faces charges of felony perjury and misdemeanor violations of falsely reporting or failing to report campaign loans, contributions and expenditures, as well as improper use of cash in his campaign to win the 67th Assembly District seat.

Baugh was elected Nov. 28 to the seat vacated by the recall of Assemblywoman Doris Allen.

Werft is charged with two counts of voting illegally in that contest. Carmony, who faces three felony charges, is accused of orchestrating the candidacy of a Democratic spoiler in the race.