The Region - News from June 24, 1987

After a six-month investigation into political corruption in Moorpark, the Ventura County district attorney’s office announced that no criminal charges will be filed against City Councilman Thomas C. (Bud) Ferguson, the main target of the inquiry. But Deputy Dist. Atty. Thomas J. Hutchins concluded in a report that Ferguson repeatedly lied about his dealings with former City Councilman Danny Woolard, who alleged that Ferguson conspired with him in bribery and cover-up schemes. The report said Ferguson, 68, helped arrange loans for Woolard, who said he used the money for a cocaine habit, and may have gained influence over his fellow councilman. The report said that prosecution was not called for, however, because any case would depend on the testimony of Woolard, who is serving a six-month jail term for embezzling $5,500 from the Moorpark Post Office, where he worked as a clerk.