logo
Huntington, California, city hall and mayor's home raided in $14M public funds probe

Huntington, California, city hall and mayor's home raided in $14M public funds probe

Yahoo27-02-2025

A city hall building, the mayor's house and some residences of current and former council members in Huntington, California, were raided on Wednesday in a major corruption probe of a $14 million project, according to Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman.
The investigation, named "Operation Dirty Pond," has been focusing on the "potential misuse of millions of dollars in public funds allocated for the construction of an aquatic center" since November 2022, the DA's Office said.
The Huntington Park Regional Aquatic Center, which was deemed "critical" on the city website, was expected to become a two-story building with an Olympic-size pool, gym, football field, conference rooms and more. However, residents never saw any results, according to the city's vice mayor.
"This is a project that has yielded nothing for the residents," Vice Mayor Arturo Flores said to FOX 11 Los Angeles. "It's my understanding that there's an estimated $14 million, give or take, that has been expended by the city, and that from those funds, the residents of the city have only received an empty lot with dead grass and nothing to show for those millions of dollars."
Recalled Oakland Mayor Indicted On Federal Corruption Charges
Fox News Digital also reached out to Flores and Huntington Park Mayor Karina Macias for comment but did not immediately hear back.
Read On The Fox News App
Former Huntington Park city council member Linda Caraballo reportedly said she sent a 282-page dossier to the DA's Office many years ago to alert them to alleged corruption. Caraballo said to the local station that "big time city officials from the city manager all the way down to the shot caller" should be prepared.
"Heads are going to roll and a lot of people are going to be really put into some serious problems," Caraballo said to FOX 11. "They all should find lawyers right away."
Skyrocketing Healthcare Budget For Illegal Immigrants Haunts Blue State Taxpayers
Valentin Amezquita, another former Huntington Park council member, said to FOX 11 that this may not be the city's only corrupt project and suggests conducting a "forensic audit of the city of current and past contracts."
"This is just the tip of the iceberg," Amezquita said to the local station. "There's many, many more."
Nyc Mayor Eric Adams Asking For Corruption Charges To Be Scrapped
Numerous items were seized during the searches, including public records, financial paperwork and electronic devices, according to the DA's Office.
"My office is committed to ensuring that public officials uphold the highest standards of honesty, integrity and transparency," Hochman said. "When concerns arise about the use of public funds or the actions of those in office, it is our duty to investigate thoroughly and protect the public's trust."
"I want to commend our dedicated prosecutors and investigators for their diligent work on this complex case. Their unwavering commitment to justice ensures that no one – regardless of their position or title – is above the law."Original article source: Huntington, California, city hall and mayor's home raided in $14M public funds probe

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Footage shows anti-ICE protestor doling out tactical gear in Los Angeles
Footage shows anti-ICE protestor doling out tactical gear in Los Angeles

New York Post

time13 hours ago

  • New York Post

Footage shows anti-ICE protestor doling out tactical gear in Los Angeles

Unsettling footage has emerged of an anti-ICE protestor brazenly doling out tactical gear to masked agitators in Los Angeles as the violence continues to escalate. The unidentified person was caught on camera dispersing what appeared to be riot shields and gas masks to the crowd from the back of a pick up truck on Monday afternoon. Scores of rioters could be seen running towards the truck to seize the masks, which had the brand 'bionic shield' emblazoned across it, the footage shot by Fox11 showed. An unidentified person was seen handing out what appeared to be riot shields and gas masks to the crowd from the back of a pick up truck. FOX11 The protests in Los Angeles have entered a fifth day. FOX11 'This is a worrying sight,' Fox11 anchor Elex Michaelson reacted to the clip. 'This is troublemakers. You don't put on a mask unless you have a plan of not wanting somebody to see your face. This is concerning.' The disturbing scene emerged as President Trump ordered yet another 2,000 National Guard troops to head to LA to help quell the violence after weekend protests descended into utter chaos. As the protests entered its fifth day, wild scenes have shown anti-ICE agitators hurling rocks and cement at federal agents, as well as setting cars on fire and storming highways.

LA protests: Riot gear distributed by masked group sparks questions
LA protests: Riot gear distributed by masked group sparks questions

Yahoo

time20 hours ago

  • Yahoo

LA protests: Riot gear distributed by masked group sparks questions

The Brief A masked group handed out gas masks and riot shields at a protest in downtown LA. Reporters observed street chaos, graffiti, and no police presence at a key intersection. Critics say Trump's deployment of troops is provoking violence, not preventing it. LOS ANGELES - The mood in downtown Los Angeles shifted from tense to surreal Monday evening as FOX 11 cameras captured a masked group handing out riot shields and gas masks just steps from federal buildings—despite official claims that protests remained largely peaceful. Reporters on the ground described chaotic scenes: protesters doing burnouts, tagging sidewalks, and climbing light poles as riot gear was passed around in full view. No local police were visible at the time, even as National Guard troops stood guard outside nearby federal buildings. The masks being distributed were branded "bionic shield," and the boxes appeared to be left behind in the open. The woman distributing them wasn't masked herself—but her intent, or affiliation, remains unknown. What we know Witnesses and journalists observed the scene unfold in real time, offering a clearer—but still incomplete—picture of how the gear was distributed and what role it played in the evening's escalation. FOX 11 reporters witnessed masked individuals handing out tactical gear to protest attendees. No arrests were made at the scene, despite visible acts of vandalism and street interference. The incident occurred near federal buildings as National Guard troops were stationed nearby. Protesters also reported graffitiing, burning rubber, and preparing for clashes with police. What we don't know Despite the footage and mounting questions, officials have not provided clarity on key details surrounding the distribution or whether any investigation is underway. Whether the individuals distributing riot gear were part of an activist group, coordinated effort, or acting independently. Why local law enforcement did not intervene despite the obvious gear handout and escalating street activity. If the gear handout is being investigated by federal, state, or local authorities. What led to the federal response in Los Angeles The backstory Tensions have escalated in Los Angeles following President Donald Trump's decision to deploy more than 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to respond to ongoing immigration protests. California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta have called the move unlawful, accusing Trump of manufacturing chaos to justify federal force. Monday's protest began peacefully but turned volatile as the evening wore on. FOX 11 anchor Elex Michaelson asked on-air whether the people being arrested were the ones committing violence on live television—or simply migrants caught up in the broader crackdown. "No, I haven't seen any arrests so far," reporter Matthew Seedorf responded from the scene. "People are still throwing bottles and glass at police… but it's really not stopping it." Michaelson later posted on social media: "We just saw people arrive in Downtown L.A. with truckloads of Bionic Face Shields that demonstrators quickly grabbed. It certainly seems like gear you'd wear if you're preparing for conflict with police. Who is funding this?" What they're saying Mayor Karen Bass has warned that the federal government may be trying to provoke unrest in order to justify a takeover of city and state authority. "This isn't about public safety. It's about stroking a dangerous President's ego," Newsom said Monday. Bass and other officials say protests had remained largely peaceful until the military presence intensified. The appearance of masked groups handing out gear only complicates the narrative. "You don't put on a mask unless you have a plan not to be seen," one FOX 11 anchor said during the live broadcast. Big picture view The incident has become a flashpoint in a larger political conflict over states' rights, federal overreach, and how protest movements are being handled in the post-Jan. 6 political landscape. While migrants are being detained across LA for relatively minor offenses, individuals caught committing violent acts on camera appear to be untouched by law enforcement. That disparity—combined with the mysterious presence of agitators—has prompted accusations that the unrest may not be organic, but engineered to justify a heavy-handed federal response. What's next California officials have filed lawsuits against the Trump administration to challenge the National Guard deployment. Meanwhile, federal forces under Task Force 51 continue to increase their presence in Los Angeles. It's unclear whether any investigation is underway into who handed out riot gear—or why they weren't arrested. The Source This article is based on live reporting from FOX 11 Los Angeles, including on-air coverage from Matthew Seedorf, Elex Michaelson, and Christina Gonzalez. Additional context was drawn from The Associated Press, Pentagon press releases, and public statements by California Governor Gavin Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.

Newsom: Trump wants LA unrest to divide us, using anti-ICE protest fallout for political gain
Newsom: Trump wants LA unrest to divide us, using anti-ICE protest fallout for political gain

Yahoo

time2 days ago

  • Yahoo

Newsom: Trump wants LA unrest to divide us, using anti-ICE protest fallout for political gain

The Brief California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized President Trump for sending the National Guard to Los Angeles County, calling it illegal and unconstitutional. Newsom accused Trump of using the unrest for political gain and creating a constitutional crisis. Trump responded by blaming Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass for failing to manage the protests effectively. LOS ANGELES - California Governor Gavin Newsom is accusing President Donald Trump of being reckless with the federal response to the anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles County. What we know In an interview with FOX 11's Elex Michaelson, Newsom blasted Trump for sending the National Guard to LA County, which the California Governor claims is illegal and unconstitutional. "Donald Trump is reckless, he's immoral," Newsom said. "He's acting unlawfully. He's putting people's lives at risk. And it's my job to clean up Donald Trump's mess, because he's making it by the hour." Newsom's rant against Trump comes after the National Guard clashed with civilians – which includes anti-ICE protesters and agitators with no ties to immigration advocacy – on Sunday, June 8 in downtown Los Angeles. The California Governor claims Trump using the weekend of unrest in Los Angeles County for political gain by dividing the nation and undermining the rule of law and democracy. "It's been a disastrous presidency and so, of course, we're here with another distraction that puts, in this case, people's lives at risk, and he's testing the boundaries of the Constitution in a way that we can clearly argue is a constitutional crisis," Newsom told Michaelson on Sunday. The other side Trump accused Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass of not getting the job done during the earlier stages of the 3-day protests in LA County. "If Governor Gavin Newscum, of California, and Mayor Karen Bass, of Los Angeles, can't do their jobs, which everyone knows they can't, then the Federal Government will step in and solve the problem, RIOTS & LOOTERS, the way it should be solved," Trump wrote on his Truth Social page. In a separate post, Trump claimed Newsom had been "incompetent," dating back to California's response to the Jan. 2025 wildfires. "We have an incompetent Governor (Newscum) and Mayor (Bass) who were, as usual (just look at how they handled the fires, and now their VERY SLOW PERMITTING disaster. Federal permitting is complete!), unable to to handle the task," Trump wrote on Truth Social. The Source This report used information provided by Elex Michaelson's interview with California Governor Gavin Newsom. President Donald Trump's responses were from his Truth Social account.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store