By Mary O’KEEFE

Former Glendale city councilman John Drayman was in Los Angeles Superior Court Thursday morning for about 20 minutes to determine where both sides were in the case of embezzlement levied against him and to determine an estimated time of a trial date.

The last time Drayman was in court, the Grand Jury record regarding alleged embezzlement of funds from the Montrose Shopping Park Association was opened. The 28 felony charges against Drayman were revealed. (For more information on the charges, search Drayman Faces Charges on cvweekly.com)

When Judge Stephen A. Marcus asked if either side had an idea for a trial date, both said they were still sharing information and would need more time.

Drayman waived his right to a speedy trial and the next court date was set for Sept. 27. A trial date may not be set by the next court date either.

Drayman’s attorney Michael Kraut said he has reviewed the Grand Jury transcripts and that it was clear to him that all the information was not presented. He said that the defense is continuing to review all documentation and will refute much of the testimony and information given to the Grand Jury and District Attorney’s Office.

“We [will be] able to refute the [information] and [show] that the loss of money is associated with someone else,” Kraut said.

He was not specific as to who the “someone else” was that he had referred to.

Deputy District Attorney Dana Aratani, co-council with Susan Schwartz, said there are a few steps that must be taken prior to setting a trial date.

“We are giving the [defense] additional discovery even today,” he added.

The documentation included items relating to the case that the District Attorney must share in accordance with the law.

“It is police reports and other documentation,” Aratani said of the information.

It has yet to be determined if Drayman will have a jury trial. Both the DA’s office and the defense would have to agree on the course of the trial.

  Mary Okeefe