Hews Media Group-Community News
Robert Katherman, a powerful elected director on the Water Replenishment District of Southern California, was arraigned this morning on two felony counts, one for misappropriation public funds, and the other count of felony conflict of interest.
In addition, his wife Martha Katherman was charged in the same case and was also charged with two same felony counts.
[img]2684|right|Ron Smith||no_popup[/img]The Kathermans’ case is linked to the embezzlement charge against Ronald Smith, West Basin Municipal Water District director, arrested last week.
The County District Attorney has issued the following statement:
“A West Basin Municipal Water District director along with a married couple with ties to the director have been charged with an elaborate embezzlement scheme to help the director pay about $20,000 in personal expenses.
“Ronald Craig Smith, 55, who serves as treasurer of the water district, Robert Earl Katherman Jr., 68, and his wife, Marilyn Katherman, 65, are charged.”
The Kathermans were in L Superior Court in Torrance this morning for arraignment, but it was rescheduled for Aug. 27. Mr. Smith pleaded not guilty last week and returns to Dept. 4 in Torrance next Tuesday to set a date for his preliminary hearing.
Mr. Smith is charged with seven felony counts, including two counts of misappropriation of public funds, four counts of perjury and one count of conflict of interest.
The Kathermans are charged with two counts each of misappropriation of public funds.
Prosecutors said that the embezzlement scheme occurred after Mr. Smith got the West Basin Municipal Water District Board to make multiple contributions to help sponsor the Adopt a Storm Drain Foundation, a nonprofit educational foundation to promote water conservation run by the Kathermans.
Contributions occurred over a three-year period, beginning in August 2010.
During the same period, Mr. Smith also contributed money from his district outreach fund that did not need board approval, prosecutors said.
Shortly after receiving the West Basin donations, prosecutors allege the Kathermans began writing checks from foundation accounts to schools and organizations that had no connection to the foundation. The checks allegedly covered school and college tuition and paid for tennis and dance lessons for Mr. Smith’s children.
Adopt a Storm Drain checks also allegedly paid for repairs to Mr. Smith’s boat and his rent.
Mr. Smith a allegedly wrote checks from his West Basin discretionary account to pay various school expenses for his children. In all, about $20,000 was stolen, prosecutors say. If convicted, Mr. Smith faces up to nine years in state prison. The Kathermans each face up to four years in state prison if convicted.
The case remains under investigation by the Torrance Police Dept.
