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The case against former community college chancellor Ron Galatolo was delayed until April as his lawyer needs more time to prepare, according to the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office.
During a hearing on Jan. 31, Galatolo’s attorney, Chuck Smith, was granted a motion to continue the case to a later date, citing the need to prepare for the preliminary hearing. The motion was granted without objection from the prosecution, and the case was continued until April 17.
In April 2019, the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office received a “whistleblower” complaint of alleged public corruption against members of the executive leadership team of the college district.
Galatolo, 60, of Menlo Park, was arrested in April 2022. He is charged with 23 felony charges for allegedly awarding construction projects to vendors from whom he received “multiple valuable gifts,” including tickets to concerts, sporting events, and international travel. Galatolo reportedly failed to disclose that he received “numerous valuable” gifts from construction firms that had business with the community college district. He is also being accused of tax fraud and misappropriation of public funds, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
Elected and public officials are required annually to file a Form 700, also known as a statement of economic interest.
Galatolo remains out of custody on $150,000 bail.
Chuck Smith did not respond to a request for comment.
