Reluctant witness' theft trials delayed
Advertiser Staff
Two theft trials for a reluctant witness in the investigation of Mayor Jeremy Harris' campaign finances were postponed yesterday until late October.
Advertiser library photo
The cases against Lisa-Katharine Otsuka had previously been delayed until July while she attempted to negotiate a plea bargain. Prosecutors would not say whether such discussions continue.
Lisa-Katharine Otsuka previously attempted to negotiate a plea bargain.
Last September, Otsuka failed to appear before a grand jury looking into illegal campaign contributions to Harris and city contracting. She later refused to testify before the panel unless granted immunity from prosecution.
Amid that dispute, separate grand juries indicted
Otsuka on theft counts for allegedly stealing money from a dance group and a car-repair shop. Harris has said he does not know Otsuka, and campaign officials insist they have done nothing wrong.
