"I served as chief deputy district attorney for the District Attorney's Office Central Division between October 2006 and June 2009. The city of San Bernardino and the San Manuel Indian Reservation were within my area of responsibility, as was overseeing the DA's Central Gang Unit. In this capacity I was very familiar with the investigation into problems relating to gang presence at San Manuel and the "killer for hire" case alluded to by county Supervisor Neil Derry ("Crime ties are a serious issue," Feb. 10).

I am compelled to correct misinformation being propagated by Mr. Derry.

As pointed out by retired Sheriff's Capt. Mike Howell ("False allegations," Feb. 6) and retired Redlands Police Chief Jim Bueermann ("Supervisor Derry's constituents deserve better," Feb. 8), the name of James Ramos never came to light as having any involvement in any type of criminal activity whatsoever. I saw no evidence at any time that James Ramos had any ties to gang members, drug dealers, killers for hire, or any other criminal. The truth is that Mr. Derry's accusations are without merit. "

Get the Story:
Benjamin Y. Gonzales: Derry's accusations have no merit (The San Benardino Sun 2/17)

Another Opinion:
Alfred Aro: Ramos gets things done (THe San Bernardino Sun 2/17)

Related Stories:
Opinion: San Manuel Band chairman linked to violent crimes (2/9)
Opinion: False allegations against San Manuel Band chairman (2/7)
Candidate links San Manuel Band leader to gangs and crime (2/3)
San Manuel chair and rival seek police union endorsement (05/23)
San Manuel chairman announces campaign for county seat (5/10)
San Manuel Band chairman named to California Board of Education (1/6)
San Manuel chairman wins election to college's board of trustees (11/04)