Prosecutors: Not enough to charge director of Engineers and Architects Association and his wife

Prosecutors declined to charge the executive director of the Engineers and Architects Association and his wife with grand theft, a spokeswoman said Wednesday.

Lawyers in District Attorney Steve Cooley's office decided there was not enough evidence to charge Josif Kahraman and his wife Ani Kahraman, Jane Robison said.

"Not only was there a lack of evidence, but the victim in the case (EAA), would not cooperate," Robison said.

The Kahramans were arrested last week - apparently on suspicion of stealing at least one laptop computer - booked on suspicion of grand theft and released on bail. The union put Josif Kahraman on leave.

The Kahramans' attorney was not surprised her client was not charged.

"This is something that we expected all along," Lara Yeretsian said. "Mr. Kahraman has always acted in the best interest of the union. My clients are thrilled with the DA's decision to file this case and reject it."

Robison said her office did not refer the case to the City Attorney's Office, which handles most misdemeanor prosecutions.

Asked how the lack of a charge would affect the union's internal investigation, Yeretsian said: "As an attorney, I would think that it doesn't hurt it. That's for sure."

The union was in turmoil last week. The union also suspended three members of its seven-member board and put labor representatives Michael Davies and Richard Sanchez on temporary leave.

"It is with great

regret that we must report to you that charges were filed on May 4th, 2011 alleging misconduct by three EAA governors -- Aida Tomines, Frank Giles, and Jeff Paxton," the Engineers and Architects Association Board of Governors wrote in a letter to union members and posted on its website.

"The (allegations) are of a serious nature, and if true, jeopardize the ability of your Board of Governors to handle sensitive information and maintain confidentiality on serious issues affecting our union," the letter read.

The union has declined to comment.

EAA represents about 5,000 engineers, scientists, technicians and attorneys working in the police and fire departments and at the airport, harbor and Department of Public Works.

Source: http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_18043640?source=rss

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