February 21, 2014, 9:29 a.m.

The FBI on Friday will announce charges in its corruption investigation into Southeast Los Angeles politics that has centered on the family of state Sen. Ronald S. Calderon.
The FBI set a noon news conference regarding "charges being filed in a political corruption matter and a case involving a massive health care fraud scheme."
A law enforcement source with knowledge of the case said the announcement will involve the year-long investigation into Calderon (D-Montebello).
An affidavit obtained last year by Al Jazeera America includes allegations that Calderon accepted $88,000 in bribes from an undercover FBI agent and a businessman to affect legislation to extend film-industry tax credits and to change workers compensation laws.
The document also said there was also probable cause to believe that Calderon "participated in a separate bribery scheme with Michael D. Drobot," the chief executive officer of Pacific Hospital of Long Beach. The lawmaker allegedly accepted $28,000 from Drobot in exchange for "supporting legislation that would delay or limit changes in California's workers compensation laws."
The Times has also reported that the FBI invesitgation has looked into the Central Basin Water District, where Calderon's brother Tom worked as a consultant.
Both Calderons have denied wrongdoing.
The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, declined to provide specifics about the charges but said several people face criminal charges.



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