Busby fundraiser investigated
The District Attorney’s office is now getting involved in an investigation of a fracas at a fundraiser for California House candidate Francine Busby, reports the San Diego Tribune:
District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis said yesterday that her office will review the Sheriff’s Department investigation to determine if charges are warranted against Shari Barman, 60, and Pam Morgan, 62.
“We will look at all the facts and circumstances and conduct further interviews of witnesses as needed,” Dumanis said in a statement.
Busby, meanwhile, wants to know who made what she describes as a “politically motivated” noise complaint that led to the arrests and a sheriff’s deputy using pepper spray on guests at the fundraiser.
About 50 people attended the event at a home in a swanky section of town, according to the paper. Attendees said a heckler hiding behind some bushes shouted obscenities while Busby trited to talk. The sherrif’s office later arrived after the noise complaint. From there the accounts are heated, with the hosts of the fundraiser saying that the sheriff asked unwarranted questions and then sprayed pepper spray. The sherrif reported he felt “threatened”:
The event ended in chaos. Barman was arrested on suspicion of obstructing a peace officer and battery on a peace officer. Morgan was arrested and cited on similar charges at the Encinitas sheriff’s station. A sergeant, six deputies including a canine unit, a helicopter and a firetruck responded to Abbott’s call for backup.
PARTYFINDER™ Hints
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Host: person who is hosting party-often, but not always, a registered federal lobbyist
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