Sentencing delayed in fraud case

A former Ramona financial planner, Rollo Richard Norton II, will be sentenced June 14 for mail fraud after he received another sentencing delay because he is testifying in a civil trial, according to court records.

Norton, 53, was to have been sentenced March 22 for a scheme in which many people lost approximately $20 million over investments in condominiums. Both the prosecutor and defense attorney agreed to have the sentence delayed in U.S. District Court because of the ongoing civil trial.

Norton is described as a principal witness in a civil case in San Diego Superior Court with 19 plaintiffs. The trial began in March. The case is related to the charges that Norton faces.

“There is concern that any press reports on the instant sentencing could adversely impact...the civil trial,” wrote Norton’s attorney, Thomas Warwick.

Warwick also wrote that victims in Norton’s case “may have difficulty in the sentencing as they are likely also participating in the civil trial.” Warwick wrote that Norton is “required to testify” in the trial.

Norton, of Oceanside, pleaded guilty to mail fraud and faces a maximum term of 30 years in federal prison, although a lesser sentence is expected. Previous delays have been related to his actions in obtaining restitution for the victims.

He remains free on $75,000 bond. Two others will be sentenced in April.