Ex-South Bay Supervisor Reportedly Gambled After Guilty Pleas
SAN JOSE (KPIX 5) -- A former Santa Clara County supervisor who pleaded guilty to blowing taxpayer funds at casinos may have returned to his gambling ways.
Former supervisor George Shirakawa Jr. resigned last month and pleaded guilty to using public money to fuel his gambling habit and pay for many personal expenses.
In a new 20-page report filed to the judge, the Santa Clara County District Attorney reported Shirakawa took more than $100,000 in public money.
Shirakawa apologized when he resigned last month, and admitted he needed to take responsibility for his actions.
But how serious was he? A photo from the San Jose Mercury News shows a text message that Shirakawa sent to the second in Chief Assistant District Attorney Jay Boyarski, joking that "you can't be associated with felons."
Three days later, the District Attorney reported Shirakawa was "gambling at Thunder Valley [casino] and was comped a meal at the restaurant, 'High Steaks.'"
According to the Mercury News, Shirakawa lost $200 gambling that day. But the restaurant gave him a free meal worth $110.50 and the gift shop gave him $174.38 worth of merchandise.
The Mercury News had a few more details: that Shirakawa lost 200 dollars gambling that day. But that the restaurant gave him a free meal worth $110 and that the gift shop gave him more than $174 dollars worth of merchandise.
The District Attorney trying to convince the judge that Shirakawa should receive a sentence of one year in jail.
A special election to fill Shirakawa's seat on the Board of Supervisors will take place on June 4th.
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