AIRPORT COMMISSIONER IN HOT WATER JOB MAY BE ON LINE FOR COMMENTS IN GANG CASE.

Byline: EUGENE TONG

Staff Writer

BURBANK -- Bob Hope Airport Commissioner Don Brown spoke in support of a friend charged in the federal Vineland Boys street gang probe, a gesture that now could cost him his job.

Police and city leaders this week called for the ouster of the retired Burbank police lieutenant because his comments to a probation officer may have helped secure a reduced sentence for Scott Schaffer, a former public figure convicted of trading guns for cocaine with members of the Sun Valley-based gang.

"The very thought that a retired Burbank police officer would even consider asking for leniency for a man convicted of providing guns for the Vineland Boys is appalling and showed a serious lack of judgment and common sense," Detective Ron Cervanka told airport commissioners during a meeting this week.

The City Council will consider March 6 whether to begin Brown's dismissal proceedings.

Brown said he returned a phone call from a probation officer regarding Schaffer's sentencing and answered questions. It is not known what he said because the pre-sentencing report remains sealed.

Schaffer, 53, received 13 months in federal prison Feb. 12 after pleading guilty in 2005 to a charge of using a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The term fell short of the 21 months recommended by prosecutors.

Schaffer showed remorse during sentencing, but a comment by U.S. District Court Judge John F. Walter -- who said Brown's statement about Schaffer brought "balance" to his decision -- struck a nerve.

According to transcript excerpts from the sentencing, Walter said Brown "provided a glowing recommendation" for Schaffer that gave the "balance that we need to approach the sentencing" in an emotional case related to the slaying of Burbank police Officer Matthew Pavelka.

The rookie officer was killed in a 2003 shootout with suspected Vineland Boys members. Another officer, Gregory Campbell, was wounded and partially paralyzed.

"I had his blood on my hands and on my uniform," Detective Chris Canales, who saw Pavelka at the scene of the shooting, told airport commissioners. "And unfortunately, Mr. Brown, now you do."

Brown, who was appointed in November 2001 to represent the city on the commission, was unavailable for comment Friday.

Responding to criticism during Tuesday's commission meeting, he said he was being tried without hard evidence.

"All I've heard today were opinions of what I said," he said. "Anyone who thinks I would deliberately tarnish the reputation of the police association has another think coming."

Brown served 41 years with Burbank police and was president of the police union. He knew Schaffer, a Glendale businessman who served on the Glendale Water and Power Commission, for at least five years, and had ties with former Burbank City Councilwoman Stacey Murphy, Schaffer's then-girlfriend.

Murphy, who was caught with cocaine, guns and ammunition at her home during the 2005 Vineland Boys probe, resigned from office and pleaded guilty to drug and child-endangerment charges.

"I ask myself how a five- to seven-year social relationship can overcome 40 years of blood, sweat and tears as a Burbank police officer," Lt. Pat Lynch of the Burbank Police Officers Association told airport commissioners. "(It's) a slap in the face to every active Burbank police officer."

But Bob Yousefian, a Glendale city councilman and airport commissioner, said any judgment against Brown is premature without knowing what he actually said.

"Don has been a very straight guy, a straight shooter," he said. "He has always had the interest of Burbank in mind.

Still, Burbank Councilwoman Marsha Ramos insisted that Brown step down.

"I have lost all confidence in Mr. Brown's ability to give good judgment," she said. "I understand the issue of free speech. But we're held in a position of public responsibility."

eugene.tong(at)dailynews.com

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