California

Ex-Contra Costa County District Attorney Suspended From Practicing Law Over Alleged Misuse of Campaign Funds

The State Bar Court of California announced Friday it has temporarily suspended a former Contra Costa County district attorney who pleaded no contest to perjury over his personal use of campaign funds.

The association is also investigating whether Mark Peterson merits further punishment, including disbarment, the East Bay Times reported Friday.

Peterson resigned from office in June and pleaded no contest to perjury for filing a false campaign disclosure statement. He was placed on probation.

A county grand jury recommended in May that Peterson be removed from his post after he acknowledged spending more than $66,000 of campaign cash on movie tickets, clothes and other personal expenses while serving as treasurer of his re-election campaign.

Peterson has said he considered the withdrawals to be loans.

Peterson's attorney, Doron Weinberg, was not immediately available for comment Friday.

The California Supreme Court will have to sign off on any disciplinary action taken against Peterson.

The interim suspension takes effect next month.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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