LOS ANGELES : Defendant in Antonovich Trial Liable for Damages

A civil trial in which a jury found that Los Angeles County Supervisor Mike Antonovich conspired to influence a judge resumed Wednesday after a defendant who declared bankruptcy in the midst of the case was ordered to be held liable for any damages.

The order by U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Vincent P. Zurzolo is a victory for the plaintiff, Avedis Kasparian, who may now seek damages from all the defendants in the case, including Western Jewelry Mart Joint Venture, which declared bankruptcy Tuesday. Kasparian is seeking $1.7 million.

Last week, a Superior Court jury found in favor of Kasparian, who contends that Antonovich tried to influence a judge on behalf of a campaign donor. The suit names the donor, Krikor Suri, several of Suri’s business partners, Antonovich and the county as defendants. The county is named because Antonovich is said to have acted within his official duties. Antonovich has acknowledged calling Superior Court Judge Eric Younger, whom he described as an old friend, but denies any impropriety. He said he called the judge in November, 1988, to offer himself as a character witness for Suri, whose jewelry business was being sued by Kasparian.