Trial of Mayor’s Wife on Sex Charges to Begin
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PASADENA — The wife of Pasadena Mayor Chris Holden is scheduled to go on trial as early as today on six felony charges of unlawful sex with two teenagers, after a judge rejected a request for a delay.
An attorney for Michelle E. Holden had asked for more time to examine evidence related to allegations made by the mayor and his father, Los Angeles City Councilman Nate Holden, that a Sheriff’s Department official asked for money to make the case “go away.” The men said they were told that if money was paid, key witnesses would not appear at the trial.
A Pasadena Superior Court rejected the request last week, allowing the trial to begin within the next 10 days, officials said.
A Sheriff’s Department investigation into the allegations has been forwarded to prosecutors. Although the Holdens did not identify the sheriff’s official, he has denied the allegations, calling them a smoke screen to divert attention from the case.
Michelle Holden, 35, has pleaded not guilty.
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