Arnold’s attorney accuses city council of retaliation
April 14, 2010
Saying “it’s time to take the gloves off,” the attorney for Arroyo Grande city councilman Ed Arnold held a press conference Wednesday morning to reaffirm his client’s innocence and accuse other council members of “retaliation.”
Ilan Funke-Bilu told reporters that he believes the Arroyo Grande City Council wants Arnold removed because he refused to support the recently proposed Centennial Square Project.
“They are using this as an opportunity,” Funke-Bilu said. “It is politically motivated. What the council has done is B.S.” When asked if he expects Arnold to be removed from the council, Funke-Bilu replied, “Over my dead body.”
Funke-Bilu also announced that he will accompany Arnold to the next Arroyo Grande City Council meeting and address the council directly.
Meanwhile, in a brief court appearance, Arnold pleaded not guilty to new charges of alleged child pornography.
The second term Arroyo Grande councilman already faces five charges stemming from an incident last December involving a female Arroyo Grande city employee. He has pled not guilty to the original counts. Two more charges, both related to allegations of child pornography, have been added by prosecutors.
A preliminary hearing for Arnold has been scheduled for Wed. May 5, at 8:30 a.m.
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