Angela Spaccia takes the stand in final phase of Bell scandal trials

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Angela Spaccia, is the former assistant city manager of the city of Bell. Her trial started on Oct. 23 she took the stand November 7.

The question the jury will consider is not whether city funds were misused in Bell, but whether Spaccia was one of the masterminds behind the plan. The defense is arguing she was just a pawn to her boss, city manager, Robert Rizzo.

Spaccia’s defense began by giving background information. Spaccia explained her history of employment with the city of Bell. She said she was impressed by Rizzo when she first started working with him. She said she thought he had the “perfect management style.”
She also said she spent a lot of time away from the office or working from home between 2005 and 2010 because she was caring for her ailing grandfather and for her son. During that time, she said Rizzo kept paying her, and she said she did feel “a little guilty” about that, but Rizzo assured her that that was just his management policy.

In October, Rizzo pled no contest to 69 felony charges and is now facing 10-12 years in prison. At that point, Rizzo’s lawyer said Spaccia was the main architect of the corruption. Five members of Bell City Council have also already been convicted earlier this year.

Spaccia is facing 13 felony counts for misappropriation of public funds. Her trial is the final phase of the Bell scandal trials.