Eight current and former Bell, California leaders were arrested Tuesday on charges related to looting over $5.5 million from the city treasury of the working-class city outside of Los Angeles. The investigation began in July 2010 after the Los Angeles Times reported that Bell officials salaries ranked among the highest in the nation. LA County District Attorney Steve Cooley called the case "corruption on steroids."

The charges reach the highest levels of power in the city. Former City Manager Robert Rizzo received over $1.5 million in benefits and salary. He stands accused of receiving nearly $2 million in unauthorized city loans to himself and allies. He is currently being held in Los Angeles County Jail on $3.2 million bail. City Manager is an unelected position in Bell. The District Attorney's office alleges that Rizzo raised his salary without the consent of the City Council. Rizzo has denied all charges, claiming that Cooley, currently running for California Attorney General, is motivated by political ambition.

Cooley has also alleged that the City Council failed to provide proper oversight. The District Attorney's office believes City Council members have received over $1 million since 2006 for presiding over nonexistent or brief meetings. Four out of five City Council members similarly face corruption charges, as does Mayor Oscar Hernandez. Police required a battering ram to enter Hernandez's house Tuesday. If convicted the city officials face the loss of office as well as long prison terms.

In addition to state charges, the officials face investigations from federal prosecutors regarding possible civil rights violations related to selective enforcement of traffic laws for Latino residents.