S.F. Supervisor Ed Jew Ordered To Stand Trial

SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 1, 2007 (KGO) (KGO) -- A judge has ordered San Francisco Supervisor Ed Jew to stand trial on charges that he lied about where he lived when he ran for office. The judge made his ruling after a three-day preliminary hearing during which prosecutors laid out their evidence.

Three days of preliminary hearings gave us a preview of the evidence the prosecution has against Jew. He faces nine felony counts of filing false documents, perjury and voter fraud. The prosecution was able to convince the judge that there was enough probable cause for Jew to stand trial on all of those counts.

Every morning, fervent supporters greeted Supervisor Ed Jew as he arrived at the Hall of Justice. During the three days, prosecutors gave a preview of the evidence they'll give during trial.

Neighbors from Jew's home on 2450 28th Avenue testified they never saw lights go on or off or garbage service at the house during the time Jew was running for office.

This neighbor, who lives next to Jew's Burlingame home, said she heard Jew and his wife come and go on a regular basis.

A PG&E employee testified the 28th Avenue home had no electricity service during the time in question.

A postal inspector told the court, letter carriers delivered only junk mail to Jew's Sunset District home, but first class mail to his Burlingame residence.

Under cross examination, Defense Attorney Bill Fazio showed a court summons, which Jew received at his 28th Avenue home, suggesting first class mail was indeed delivered there.

Fazio questioned the accuracy of the utility records and called neighbors' testimonies unreliable.

The prosecution only had to prove to the judge there was probable cause that Jew was guilty of the charges. The judge said they had done that and he ordered Jew to stand trial. Fazio contends the prosecution is hiding their real motive.

Bill Fazio, defense attorney: "Never have I seen that kind of attention given to any case including capitol murders, so you tell me, is this a political persecution or what?"

Debbie Mesloh, S.F. DA's spokesperson: "He knows that we put the resources to every type of crime to make sure that criminal laws are being abided by the citizens of San Francisco."

After the hearing, Jew spoke briefly to reporters.

ABC7's Vic Lee: "Ed, are you capable of doing your duties as a supervisor while you go through a trial?"

Supervisor Ed Jew: "Let me just say this. I was at the board meeting until 8:30 last night. If need be, I'll be there today, tomorrow, the next day and so forth."

Jew is also being investigated by the FBI for accepting $40,000 dollars in cash from Quickly Tapioca store owners who had permit problems.

Coincidentally, on the day Jew was ordered to stand trial on the residency charges, owners of one the Quickly stores were at the appeals board hearing, trying to resolve those permit problems.

Supervisor Jew also faces a possible civil lawsuit by city attorney Dennis Herrera, who also alleges that Jew lied about where he lived when he ran for office.

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