Former San Mateo County Community College chancellor Ron Galatolo has decided not to testify on his own behalf at his jury trial on bribery charges.
Galatolo’s attorney, Chuck Smith, rested his case on Wednesday. The jury will return Jan. 6 to hear closing arguments.
A defendant has the choice of testifying or saying nothing. Defendants get that right from the Fifth Amendment. Juries are typically instructed not to hold a defendant’s decision to remain silent against them. But when a defendant testifies, they run the risk of a prosecutor aggressively questioning them, potentially exposing inconsistencies or making them appear nervous or untruthful, which juries often misinterpret as guilt.
In the final days of the defense case, Smith put a number of character witnesses on the stand including former members of the college district’s board. Among them were former board member Patricia Miljanich, former Skyline President Regina Stanback-Stroud and former Vice Chancellor Tom Bauer.
Galatolo, 61, of Menlo Park, is charged with taking bribes from contractors. Charges include bribery, tax fraud, misappropriation of public funds, conflict of interest and embezzlement. Contractors were paid out of nearly $1 billion in proceeds from three bond issues approved by voters.
Galatolo is out on $150,000 bail and is scheduled to appear on Jan. 6 for closing arguments.
I don’t care if he has a Fifth Amendment right not to testify, Galatolo looks guilty if he’s not willing to explain what he’s done. Where did he get the money for the sport cars and numerous homes he owns? Who knew that public education could be so lucrative. I’m not going to vote for any more bond measures until I get a solid explanation about what happened to the money — and a prison sentence for Galatolo if he’s guilty.
That’s why we should all be thankful you are not on Galatolo’s jury, or any jury.
This guy is guilty of not only these charges but much much more. This doesn’t even scratch the surface of his criminal life style.