Ed Jew Rejects Plea Bargain
Has Until Wednesday To Consider
KGO By Vic Lee

SAN FRANCISCO, Sep. 10, 2007 (KGO) - The district attorney has accused Jew of lying about where he lives in order to run for office, the criminal trial is supposed to begin in just a few weeks. He has until Wednesday to consider.

Supervisor Ed Jew faces nine felony counts including perjury and voter fraud. He's accused of lying about where he lived when he ran for office.

Prosecutors say he did not reside in this sunset district home but lived instead in this house in Burlingame.

Jew's attorney Bill Fazio met for about an hour with prosecutors in Judge Philip Moscone's chambers.

When they came out, the judge announced, the district attorney had made an offer that was on the table until 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday.

Attorney Fazio would not divulge details but said they'll consider a deal, depending on what it is.

"There's economic issues, there's family issues, a plethora of issues the supervisor has to consider before making a decision," said defense attorney Bill Fazio.

As assumed, prosecutors will demand Jew's resignation as part of the plea.

ABC7's Vic Lee: "Is resignation negotiable?"

Bill Fazio: It hasn't been. In my opinion, that's something I have to talk to the supervisor about and discuss it with him but I don't want anybody to think for a moment his resolve has been lessened."

Jew also faces a possible civil lawsuit filed by the city attorney who is also challenging his residency. A deal with the D.A. could affect their case.

The only scenario in which a plea bargain in a criminal case would make the city attorney's case go away would be if there was a resignation, if that was part of the deal," said Matt Dorsey.

The prosecution says it could call as many as 70 witnesses if it goes to trail. ABC7 legal analyst Dean Johnson says the D.A. has an incentive to bargain.

This is a circumstantial case. its a long messy trial followed by an even longer messier appeal. The prosecution knows that and that's they they're willing to bargain," said ABC7 Legal Analyst Dean Johnson.

Ed Jew and his lawyer Bill Fazio decided not to accept any deal that requires Jew to resign. But Fazio says he's not closing the door to other options.

The district attorney's office declined to comment. The FBI is also investigating Jew for reportedly taking $40,000 dollars in cash from a group of businessmen with permit problems. No charges have been filed in that case.