American Notes San Diego

After he was convicted on 13 felony counts of conspiracy and perjury two weeks ago, San Diego Mayor Roger Hedgecock resigned. Then last Thursday, amid allegations of jury tampering, Hedgecock's lawyers filed a motion for a new trial. The following day, just before he was due to leave office, Hedgecock announced that he would stay on, pending the outcome. Said he: "If there is no valid verdict, there is no basis for resignation."

A popular leader, Hedgecock had already eluded downfall twice. Last November voters re-elected him for a second term, although he was under indictment for lying to conceal irregularities in the financing of his first mayoral campaign. Last February his first trial ended in a hung jury. Hedgecock's third chance at redemption came when two jurors from the latest trial reported that a bailiff, Al Burroughs Jr., had attempted to influence the panel during the 6 1/2 days it was sequestered. At least one juror reportedly changed his vote to guilty on one count after Burroughs informed him that the panel was not allowed to end its deliberations without a verdict. After rescinding his resignation, Hedgecock said he hoped there would be no third trial.