Through his lawyer, Napa County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk-Registrar of Voters John Tuteur on Tuesday filed a motion with the Napa Superior Court to unseal the Napa County Grand Jury transcript served on him Friday under court-ordered seal, Tuteur announced.
The transcript relates to the grand jury accusation of “willful and corrupt misconduct in office” delivered to Tuteur on March 19. Tuteur’s motion also asks the court to compel the grand jury to release other material presented to the Grand Jury prior to the proceedings covered by the transcript.
In a separate move last month, the grand jury accused Tuteur and his sister of failing to pay $20,000 in back taxes on land it leases out for a cell tower. Tuteur promised cooperation in resolving the matter in a letter to the Attorney General’s office.
By state law county grand juries can make a “willful or corrupt misconduct” accusation against any officer of a county, city or district, as long as at least 12 of the 19 grand jury members agree.
Tuteur is accused of possibly making self-serving agricultural land assessment decisions and possibly costing the county tax revenue.
“I am dedicated to complete transparency with the public during this process,” Tuteur said. “Sealing of the transcript by the court and the failure of the grand jury to disclose relevant material makes it more difficult for me to present a vigorous defense against these charges.”
April 17, 2018
Times-Herald
Staff report
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