CHARGES DISMISSED IN CHECK-PASSING CASE.

Byline: David Greenberg  Staff Writer

VENTURA - Charges were dismissed Wednesday against a businessman who authorities said passed bad checks, including one to a Simi Valley city councilman, as prosecutors investigate for additional potential victims.

James Erhardt, who was ordered Aug. 28 to stand trial on three felony counts of writing bad checks for more than $200 each, left the courtroom after Judge Art Gutierrez cancelled his $10,000 bail.

``We chose not to file charges (in Superior Court) at this time because the investigation is widening,'' said prosecutor Chystina Jenson. ``I have information that there may be additional victims. We could file the case, and he could be picked up on a warrant at any time.''

Erhardt, 32, owes Chatsworth developer Stan Weiss $20,000 from two bad checks he wrote to lease property for a Halloween haunted house at Madera Road and Los Angeles Avenue in Simi Valley last fall, prosecutors said.

Simi Valley City Councilman Steve Sojka also received a bad check for $2,500 to design, print and mail fliers advertising Erhardt's business, authorities said.

However, defense attorney Anthony Brooklier said prosecutors dropped the charges because the case was weak.

``It's very inappropriate. I don't know why they would smear him like that. They know they have a very weak case against him,'' Brooklier said.

Weiss testified during the preliminary hearing that Erhardt called him on the phone and said, `I'm coming to get you.' '' Based on that allegation, Jenson said he could also be charged with making a threat.

Erhardt, a Canoga Park businessman, has filed a $5 million civil racketeering suit against the city claiming he was forced to pay $7,500 in bribes for city permits for his business.