Calderon Search Revives Memories of 1988 Shrimp Scam FBI Raid

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Tuesday's search of State Sen. Ron Calderon's office brought back memories of the "Shrimp Scam" of 1988, the last time the state capitol was raided by FBI.

That investigation was in the works for two years prior, when the FBI set up fake companies such as Peachstate and Shrimp Company out of West Sacramento to catch lawmakers accepting bribes.

Charges and prison time came to lawmakers, including two Republicans—Assembly Leader Pat Nolan and Assemblyman Frank Hill—as well as two Democrats—State Sen. Joseph Montoya and Assemblywoman Gwen Moore. Board of Equalization member Paul Carpenter.

Two of the bills supported by the bribes made their way to Republican Gov. George Deukmejian. After being tipped about the sting, the governor vetoed them both.

Democratic Assembly Speaker Willie Brown was also under investigation by the FBI, but would leave unscathed in the scandal.

That raid inspired new rules which are credited with creating the dearth of FBI raids before Tuesday.