Civil Case Voided Against Councilman
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A Superior Court judge dismissed civil charges Wednesday against Costa Mesa City Councilman Chris Steel, citing insufficient evidence that he intentionally committed election fraud.
Steel still faces state charges on similar complaints, which will be heard July 31.
Michael Szkaradek, a Costa Mesa attorney and accountant who brought the civil suit, said the district attorney’s office will be able to make a stronger case than he could in the civil trial.
Steel was accused of submitting forged signatures on his 1998 and 2000 nomination papers. Only the 2000 election papers were considered in the civil trial.
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