Charges Filed in Weapons, Drug Probe
By Wendy Lee
Times Staff Writer
July 28, 2005
Federal prosecutors Wednesday charged the longtime boyfriend of a Burbank city councilwoman with weapons and drug violations.
Scott Schaffer, companion of Councilwoman Stacey Jo Murphy, is being held on suspicion of trading guns to a gang member for cocaine. Schaffer's attorney said his client would plead not guilty at his arraignment Monday.
Schaffer was arrested July 13 after authorities found a gun registered in his name at the home of a Vineland Boyz gang member.
According to law enforcement officials, Schaffer said he traded two guns for cocaine.
Court papers filed by prosecutors state that Schaffer told authorities he stored firearms at Murphy's home.
Police found a small quantity of cocaine, three loaded handguns and 900 rounds of ammunition at her home.
The councilwoman was arrested on suspicion of cocaine possession and child endangerment and was released on bail.
Murphy told authorities that she knew Schaffer was addicted to cocaine and possessed firearms, court papers show.
Roger Rosen, Schaffer's attorney, said his client's statements to law enforcement officials were taken out of context in the court filings.
He said Schaffer had had a problem with alcohol and had been attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and undergoing therapy since November. Rosen said he would not comment on the drug allegations.
The Vineland Boyz gang is suspected of widespread narcotics and firearms trafficking.
A member of the gang is awaiting trial in connection with the November 2003 fatal shooting of rookie Burbank Police Officer Matthew Pavelka, 26.
Some Gangs Get Sued 