King City moves beyond guilty pleas in police corruption cases

More guilty pleas were entered this week in the King City Police Department’s corruption cases. NewsChannel 5 found out what those developments could mean for King City and the criminal case against those who are still facing charges.

Eva Fragosa, a grandmother who has lived in King City for eight years, said she’s noticed a change.

“Everyone is relaxed, you know,” Fragosa said.

Fragosa said knowing that two of the main players in the police misconduct case have pleaded guilty to means that the city can start to heal. Former King City police officer Mario Mottu pleaded guilty Wednesday to two counts of embezzlement. The former owner of Miller’s Towing, Brian Miller, pleaded guilty Tuesday to grand theft and bribing an officer.

Miller is the brother of former King City acting Police Chief Bruce Miller, who is facing bribery and conspiracy charges for his involvement with an alleged for-profit towing scheme targeting undocumented immigrants.

They are two of seven arrested last year in connection with allegations of corruption within the King city police department. Prosecutors said the pleas are a positive sign.

“You know, as we move closer to trial, people have to make hard decisions and the reality of what they’re facing comes before them, and I think we’ll see, or hopefully see more people admitting their guilt,” Monterey County Deputy District Attorney Steve Somers said.

But council member Mike LeBarre said the new developments are not the turning point for King City.

“The judicial portion of whatever happened in the past is going to run its course. We are focused on improving the quality of life for our residents,” LeBarre said.

LeBarre said the city’s recent decision to keep its own police department instead of letting the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office take over shows determination to improve how the city runs.

While Fragosa said the police corruption case has hurt her community, she still has faith in her local government and is looking forward to a new, stronger police department for King City.

LeBarre said the city is very close to hiring its next police chief and the candidate is still undergoing extensive background checks. The city said it’s working to add new police officers to the department as well.