Did a former Murrieta city councilmember threaten to break a man’s leg if he didn’t lie about his estranged wife having an extramarital affair? That’s the question posed in the trial of former Murrieta City Councilman Warnie Enochs.
Enochs’ trial begins Monday. He faces 14 felonies involving forgery, fraud and extortion. Enochs is accused of committing the crimes during 2002 and 2003 while he was divorcing Julia Enochs.
According to published reports, Enochs is accused of physically threatening a contractor who had done tile work at the couple’s home in Murrieta. In an article in the North County Times, court documents reportedly reveal Enochs threatened to break the contractor’s leg unless he signed a declaration accusing Julia Enochs of having an affair.
When the contractor failed to write up the document, prosecutors allege that Enochs forged the contractor’s name.
According to the Press-Enterprise, Enochs said in court documents that he would never forge documents, spread rumors or threaten anyone.
Enochs, 59, has served on the Murrieta city council since 1995. He lost his re-election bid in the 2008 elections.
