Joseph Aklufi, former city attorney for Beaumont, and one of seven city officials charged with embezzlement, had his Friday, May 18, hearing continued to Sept. 14. He also is a former Idyllwild Water District attorney.
In January, Aklufi’s attorney filed a motion to have the charges for public corruption and embezzlement from the city of Beaumont against his client dismissed.
His motion argued that in 2016, Aklufi did not waive his right to a speedy trial and too much time has occurred.
On Jan 26, Riverside County Superior Court Judge Mac Fisher ruled that Aklufi’s motion was not supported.
So, his attorney filed an appeal with the Fourth District State Court of Appeals. This court rejected his petition on May 15.
The May 19 hearing was basically an opportunity to set a new court appearance.
In March, the Riverside County District Attorney filed a statement with the court that it would pursue only one count of embezzlement of public funds against Aklufi, although more were initially filed.
In the statement, the DA reported that several of the co-defendants said Aklufi knew about the embezzlement scheme.
