Prosecutors officially filed charges Wednesday against a deputy district attorney and a former police officer stemming from a ticket fixing scandal.
Former San Diego police sergeant Kevin Friedman and Deputy District Attorney Allison Debow were scheduled to be arraigned in a downtown courtroom.
Friedman, who recently resigned from the SDPD, filed via fax.
Debow sent an attorney to represent her in court.
"In a misdemeanor case the defendants themselves do not have to show up. They can appear through their attorneys through the entire case if they wish," said Assistant Attorney General Michael Murphy.
The case alleges that Debow and another deputy district attorney were given seatbelt violations in a police checkpoint last spring.
Debow then called Friedman who worked in the traffic division and asked him to do something about the tickets, prosecutors allege.
Friedman is accused of finding the tickets and throwing them out.
This isn’t the first time San Diego police officers have been accused in a ticket-fixing scandal.
Local
The chief and assistant chief were reprimanded 25 years ago for being part of a widespread practice of fixing hundreds of tickets for colleagues, friends, relatives, influential civic figures and members of the news media.
Friedman retired last month after more than 26 years of service.
Debow, who was initially charged under her maiden name of Worden, is on paid administrative leave according to public affairs officer Tanya Sierra.
The case will be back in court in April.
Keep up to date on breaking news: Download our improved iPhone app, follow us on Twitter @nbcsandiego, fan us on Facebook, sign up for our breaking news e-mail alerts or text SDBREAKING to 622339 to receive text messages for local breaking news. (For more info, text HELP. To end, text STOP. Message and data rates may apply.)
