Second Month in Jail
The son of a once and possibly future City Councilman, Mr. Vera, 42 years old, has been in jail for more than six weeks.
Unable to post bail of $75,000 for a late-night robbery at a Sepulveda Boulevard market, Mr. Vera, the surviving son in one of Culver Citys leading families, is being represented in the original case by a public defender.
A New Twist
This is believed to be the first time he has not been defended by a high-powered attorney.
The new felony charges largely revolve around a prestigious events production company on Motor Avenue. Through a spokesperson, Cheryl Cecchetto, the founder of 17-year-old Sequoia Productions, declined comment this afternoon.
Mr. Veras cumulative bail today has swollen to $195,000.
List of Allegations
Here are the seven counts:
Last Nov. 8, police say he entered a building occupied by Sequoia Productions and committed a second-degree commercial burglary.
Between Nov. 1, 05 and April 30, 06, police say he stole computer software from Sequoia, leading to a grand theft charge.
Between Nov. 1, 05 and this past March 7, police say he stole money and personal property, including a videocam, from Sequoia.
Sequoia Robberies
Count 4, pegged between Nov. 1, 05 and April 30, 06, involved grand theft of personal property, including hand-held radios, from Sequoia.
Between Jan. 26 and Jan. 28 of this year, police say he committed grand theft, taking lighting equipment that belonged to Trench Plate Rental, Southwest Contractors.
That appears to have brought police back to the El Segundo case on the final two counts..
Previously Known Charges
On or about March 7, police say, Mr. Vera was found with methamphetamine while armed with a loaded handgun.
The final count covers possession of a short-barreled shotgun or rifle activity.
Meanwhile, no one in a position of authority on the Vera case was commenting publicly this afternoon.
Latest Arrest
Along with an alleged accomplice, Frank Goller, Mr. Vera was arrested on Tuesday night, March 6, in connection with the robbery of a water dispenser vending box last month at a Ralphs supermarket in El Segundo.
It was reported at the time that both the County Sheriffs Dept. and Culver City police were running investigations of the suspect.
Mr. Vera is scheduled to be back in court on Monday morning to enter a plea in the El Segundo case.
Arrested Quietly
In the latest of a number of confrontations with various law enforcement agencies, Mr. Vera was arrested by El Segundo police, without incident, an hour after the robbery about a block away from the market.
Last week, El Segundo officers testified that the stolen water dispenser equipment was found in the truck that Mr. Vera and Mr. Goller occupied.
