"Earlier today, the Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs learned of the serious legal issues facing Sheriff Mike Carona. Sheriff Carona and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department have been instrumental in making the County of Orange one of the safest places to live in the country. We have made improvements in corrections, the court system, patrol, investigations and the Orange County harbors. Innovative programs such as the Amber Alert program and the DNA Laboratory have been implemented under Sheriff Carona’s administration.
For over thirty years the Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs has vigorously represented and defended the rights of it members. We recognize that under the criminal justice system one is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs will withhold any opinion on these allegations until the facts are known and the findings are in. Sheriff Carona should be afforded all of the rights and guarantees that our great country and legal system would extend to any citizen in this situation.
The Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs calls upon the public and elected officials not to act prematurely in this situation, including inserting themselves into the proceedings. We encourage our decision makers to act in the best interest of the community and to allow the judicial process to run its course.
Be assured, our members will continue to provide the very best in law enforcement service to the citizens of Orange County.
For information contact the Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs General Manager Mark Nichols (714) 285-2800."