SALINAS, Calif. - New information on the man charged with a conflict of interest in trying to solve the peninsula's water problems.
Steve Collins also faces charges for his work with Ocean Mist and Friday prosecutors said he tried to cover up his crime, by keeping witnesses quiet.
Steve Collins, one time consultant for Ocean Mist Farms and director of the Monterey County Water Resource Agency, clenched his jaw listening to prosecutors tell the judge what he was up to since the first set of grand theft and conflict of interest charges were filed in November.
Prosecutors claim he requested a written and signed statment from the Ocean Mist board and president that said he didn't steal thousands of dollars, that they didn't want to testify, and that the company would welcome him back with open arms.
"He needed the statement to get him "off the hook" and told the vice president that if it was not provided it the defendant and his attorney would go after the company and make everybody look bad...He also told the vice president not to tell anyone about his demand and further stated if his attorney found out they would not be happy with him."
Collins' attorney who would not talk to Central Coast News but told the judge, Collins wasn't the one to initiate contact but was invited to the home of Ocean Mist executives, "The two people alleged as victims in the new counts are long term associates and close friends."
Collins must post $20,000 bail by next Friday or he'll be sent to jail.
Collins' attorney said he planned to post bail by the end of Friday. He is scheduled to be back in court January 18th.
