Former assistant assessor to appear in court again Wednesday

Former Assistant Assessor Adam Aleman is scheduled to return to court Wednesday for a status hearing in his alleged political corruption case.

The 25-year-old Aleman and his lawyer, Grover Porter, are scheduled to appear in San Bernardino Superior Court.

Proceedings were met with delay at a Sept. 30 court appearance when lawyers in the case announced they were still receiving and reviewing additional discovery.

Aleman and his former boss, Assessor Bill Postmus, have been embroiled in a scandal since a county grand jury report was released June 30. Law-enforcement officials believe Aleman attempted to mislead the grand jury, according to court records unsealed the next day.

Aleman faces six felony counts involving the destruction of evidence, altering of documents sought by the grand jury and vandalism. If convicted on all charges, Aleman could face a maximum of 18 years in state prison.

Deputy District Attorney John Goritz said, following the Sept. 30 hearing, that discussions about any possible plea bargain for Aleman were "premature."