A celebrated events production company linked to top-tier stars and the Academy Awards, Sequoia now is located around the corner from Downtown, on Motor Avenue.
But previously, Sequoia, founded 17 years ago, was a tenant of Mr. Vera’s father, Albert Sr., rancher-landowner-businessman and a three-term member of the City Council.
This, sources tell the newspaper, could account for Mr. Vera Jr.’s alleged familiarity with the company.
And to a still undefined “personal” link.
How Many Times?
It is not clear from the filing information available how many times the 42-year-old Mr. Vera — currently jailed — is accused of entering the Sequoia property.
No doubt the most interesting object he is charged with stealing, or borrowing, is a highly mysterious black binder.
Sometime after closing hours at Sequoia last Nov. 8, the D.A.’s office believes Mr. Vera stole into a file area with which he evidently was familiar.
He wanted the black binder, say law enforcment officials, because it contained “personal” information.
Making a Record?
Reportedly, Mr. Vera took the binder with the pertinent information to a nearby Kinko’s to copy certain data. Then the binder was returned.
The cumulative charges and findings, sources said, include the results of a parallel, but separate, months’ long investigation conducted by the County Sheriff’s Dept.
Mr. Vera will mark his seventh week of incarceration tomorrow.
Where It Started
Along with his alleged accomplice, Dana Frank Goller, Mr. Vera was arrested and jailed near midnight on Tuesday, March 6, after allegedly stealing a vending box from a water dispenser at a Ralphs market in El Segundo one hour earlier.
Although Mr. Vera has been in jail before, this is his first protracted incarceration.
Family Not in Sight
This also appears to be the first time Mr. Vera’s prominent family has not interceded.
Unable to post the $75,000 bond, he was said to have previously rejected a settlement offer from the District Attorney’s office of one year in the County Jail.
When the new Culver City/Sheriff’s Dept.-spawned felonies were filed last week, Mr. Vera’s bond jumped to $195,000.
Left on His Own
Amidst numerous signs that his family is leaving Mr. Vera’s cause this time up to him, he is being represented for the first time by a public defender.
Gary S. Wigodsky, standing in for Michael Russo from the offices of the Alternate Public Defender, was at Mr. Vera’s side this morning when he entered a not guilty plea in the robbery at Ralphs.
Mr. Goller, who may additionally be facing two probation violations, also pleaded not guilty.
Crowded Vera Court Calendar
On this case, the pair are due back in court on Thursday, May 17, for a pre-trial hearing. Barring a settlement, trial is scheduled for Tuesday, June 12.
Meantime, Mr. Vera is scheduled to return to court next week for a hearing on the seven felony charges.
