GLENDALE BUSINESSMAN INDICTED SCHAFFER CHARGED WITH TRADING GUNS TO VINELAND BOYS GANG IN EXCHANGE FOR COCAINE.

Byline: Jason Kandel Staff Writer

A federal grand jury has indicted Glendale businessman Scott Schaffer on drug and firearm charges, alleging he was a cocaine addict who illegally traded handguns for cocaine.

Schaffer, a former Glendale Water and Power commissioner and a former co-owner of a Sun Valley cab company, was charged with four felony counts that carry a maximum penalty of 45 years in prison, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Los Angeles said Thursday.

``Based on my understanding of the case, it seems to me like this indictment certainly is meant to be heavy-handed,'' said Roger Rosen, Schaffer's attorney. ``These are very serious charges. They carry some very severe penalties. But I'm wondering whether or not some of this indictment is a bit overkill.''

Schaffer, 51, is jailed without bail at the federal Metropolitan Detention Center downtown. He is scheduled to appear today at a detention hearing, where Rosen plans to argue for his release on bail.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Young, who is prosecuting the Schaffer case, said he could not comment on any ongoing investigations.

Schaffer is charged with unlawful sale of a firearm to a known felon, being an addict in possession of a firearm and ammunition, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, and carrying a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

Schaffer is accused of selling a Colt .45-caliber handgun and a Sig Sauer .45-caliber handgun to a suspected member of the Vineland Boys street gang, even though he knew the man was an ex-convict barred by law from owning a handgun, the indictment alleges.

Schaffer was also charged with exchanging the Colt .45 and the Sig Sauer .45 for cocaine.

The indictment also charges Schaffer with being a cocaine addict in possession of nine handguns, one rifle and 345 rounds of ammunition.

Schaffer, a former co-owner of Sun Valley-based City Cab, made some $25,000 in contributions over the past six years to political campaigns in Burbank, Glendale and Los Angeles, records show.

Schaffer has been jailed since his July 12 arrest at his Glendale home. Burbank City Councilwoman Stacey Murphy, described by police as Schaffer's longtime companion, was arrested that night after investigators said Schaffer told them that more guns and cocaine were at her house.

Murphy was booked on cocaine possession and child-endangering charges because loaded guns were accessible to her 12-year-old son, police said. She was freed on $100,000 bail, and has said she will not attend City Council meetings until after her Aug. 25 court date.

Charges have not been filed against her, but the case is being reviewed, said Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office spokeswoman Sandi Gibbons.

``I don't expect anything for a couple of weeks,'' Gibbons said.

Jason Kandel, [phone]

jason.kandel(at)dailynews.com