OC Judge Investigated for 'Sexual Impropriety'

Orange County sheriff's investigators are looking into allegations of sexual impropriety against Orange County Superior Court Judge Scott Steiner, a sheriff's spokesman said today.

For about a month, investigators have been gathering evidence and interviewing people related to the allegations, said Jim Amormino of the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

Investigators have searched Steiner's chambers at the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana. Steiner, a former prosecutor, has been transferred to the North Justice Center in Fullerton.

Sheriff's investigators didn't provide details on the allegations, Amormino said. Investigators expect to present their findings to the state Attorney General's Office sometime next week, Amormino said.

The Orange County District Attorney's Office referred the case to the state Attorney General's Office.

Steiner was elected judge in 2010.

Steiner's attorney, Paul S. Meyer, said he expects his client will be cleared of any wrongdoing.

"We look forward to working with the inquiry to resolve any questions," Meyer said. "We believe the truth will clear this matter."

- City News Service