Former San Bernardino District Attorney Faces State Bar Suspension Over Deleted Evidence

Michael Ramos, formerly the District Attorney of San Bernardino County, has reached an agreement with the California State Bar to suspend his law license for six months. The suspension stems from allegations that Ramos intentionally deleted emails and text messages related to a 2017 corruption case.

Background of the Corruption Case

In 2011, Ramos led prosecutions against three county officials and a real estate developer tied to Colonies Partners, spearheaded by Rancho Cucamonga‑based investors. They faced accusations of participating in a bribery scheme intended to secure a preferential land‑settlement deal valued at $102 million. However, after an eight-month trial concluded in September 2017, three were acquitted while the fourth had charges dropped later that year.

Discovery Misconduct

Following the acquittals, Colonies Partners sued Ramos and the county, charging that the prosecution was politically driven. During discovery, they demanded Ramos’s communications, but he had deleted relevant emails and texts from his campaign accounts. A 2020 magistrate ruling found Ramos violated his legal obligation to preserve such materials and deemed his failure “unacceptable”.

Stephen Larson, attorney for Colonies, criticized Ramos for acting in “bad faith” and accused him of pursuing “political persecution” by destroying evidence.

Career Fallout

Ramos lost his bid for reelection in 2018. Despite this, he maintains a faculty position at UC Riverside. The State Bar’s agreement, approved by its Court, is now awaiting final approval from the California Supreme Court.

Ethical Oversight

George Cardona, Chief Trial Counsel for the State Bar, emphasized the heightened ethical responsibility of prosecutors:

“Prosecutors wield tremendous authority and discretion, and with that comes a heightened responsibility to adhere to the ethical standards of the legal profession”  .

He noted that the action against Ramos underscores the Bar’s commitment to enforcing professional conduct standards, regardless of one’s previous office or title  .

What Happens Next:

• Six‑month suspension is currently proposed pending California Supreme Court approval.
• Precedent set: The case highlights the judiciary’s intolerance for evidence tampering and its willingness to hold prosecutors accountable.
• Future implications: This ruling may influence other high-profile cases involving evidence destruction.

This case marks a significant moment for legal accountability in California. The suspension of a former district attorney over deleted evidence sends a clear message: no one is above the ethical standards that uphold public trust in the justice system. As the legal community reflects on the consequences of misconduct at the highest levels, the outcome underscores the importance of transparency, responsibility, and the enduring duty of prosecutors to serve justice—not personal or political agendas.