A case involving an alleged physical altercation between Assemblymember Audra Strickland's top aide and three protestors has been moved from the county district attorney's office to the state office because of a possible conflict of interest.

The incident happened June 17 outside the Hyatt Westlake Plaza Hotel in Thousand Oaks at a fundraiser for Strickland's husband, state Senate candidate Tony Strickland.

Sandy Quiring, John Phillips and Louis Pandolfi said they were part of a peaceful protest against the tobacco industry when Joel Angeles, chief of staff to Audra Strickland, verbally and physically assaulted them.

About 55 people were outside protesting the $50,000 contribution the Ventura County Republican Central Committee received from the tobacco industry to assist with Tony Strickland's campaign. Pandolfi said Angeles confronted them, calling them "atheists" and "cowards."

"And then came the ultimate threat," Pandolfi said. "He said, 'If you step foot on this curb, you will go down.'"

When they continued to march, Pandolfi said he was knocked to the ground, as were Quiring, an 18-year-old from Simi Valley, and Phillips, a minister, senior citizen and Vietnam veteran from Camarillo.

Phillips said he suffered a rotator cuff injury, and Quiring sustained minor cuts to her arms. Pandolfi called 911 and deputies responded, but no arrests were made.

The three protestors filed complaints with sheriffs at the East Valley Station in Thousand Oaks, each providing a victim statement. Declarations from 11 witnesses were also submitted.

Audra Strickland (RThousand Oaks) placed Angeles on an unpaid one-month leave for showing "poor judgment," according to a written statement from her office.

After the sheriff's investigation was completed last month, it was forwarded to the district attorney. District Attorney Greg Totten recused himself because he has endorsed both Stricklands and because he has worked with Audra Strickland to prevent the development of a criminal hospital in Camarillo.

On Oct. 10 the case was forwarded to the state district attorney. According to Pandolfi, District Attorney Nancy James said she read it last weekend and has asked the sheriff's department to reinterview a couple of witnesses. James' office confirmed that she is presently reviewing the case.

Pandolfi said he's expecting a decision in the next two weeks.