Embezzlement Charges Against Couple Dropped

Embezzlement charges against leaders of a Bell Gardens youth soccer league have been dismissed after witnesses for the prosecution could not be found.

“We were unable to proceed to trial because we could not locate sufficient witnesses,” Deputy Dist. Atty. Ann Rundle said.

Supporters of Danny and Martha Lopez steadfastly maintained that the couple were innocent after their arrest last October on suspicion of misdemeanor embezzlement.

“We think the whole prosecution was politically motivated,” defense attorney Henry Barbosa said.

Soccer leagues and fields are contentious issues in Bell Gardens. Some, including Councilwoman Maria Chacon, want the city to exercise more control over the popular sport, but others criticize what they see as City Hall meddling in a voluntary, social activity.