FBI to file charges in Southeast L.A. corruption probe, source says

The FBI on Friday will announce charges in its corruption investigation into Southeast Los Angeles politics that has centered on the family of state Sen. Ronald S. Calderon, according to a Times source.

The FBI has scheduled a noon news conference that it said would deal with “charges being filed in a political corruption matter and a case involving a massive healthcare fraud scheme.”

A law enforcement source with knowledge of the case said the announcement will involve the yearlong investigation into Calderon (D-Montebello).

GRAPHIC: Calderon family connections

An affidavit obtained last year by Al Jazeera America includes allegations that Calderon accepted $88,000 in bribes from an undercover FBI agent and a businessman to affect legislation to extend film-industry tax credits and to change workers’ compensation laws.

The document also said there was also probable cause to believe that Calderon “participated in a separate bribery scheme with Michael D. Drobot,” the chief executive officer of Pacific Hospital of Long Beach. The lawmaker allegedly accepted $28,000 from Drobot in exchange for “supporting legislation that would delay or limit changes in California’s workers compensation laws,” the affidavit said.

The Times has also reported that the FBI investigation has looked into the Central Basin Water District, where Calderon’s brother Tom worked as a consultant.

Both Calderons have denied wrongdoing.

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, declined to provide specifics about the charges but said several people face criminal charges in the matter.