According to Los Angeles County district attorney Nathan J. Hochman, a large corruption investigation of a 14 million dollar project in Huntington, California led investigators on Wednesday into the city hall, mayor’s residence, and several homes of former and current council members.
Since November 20, 2022, “Operation Dirty Pond” has focused on the “potential misappropriation of public funds in the millions allocated to the construction of an aquatic center.”
Huntington Park Regional Aquatic Center was to be a 2-story building, with an Olympic size swimming pool, Gymnasium, Football Field, Conference Rooms, etc., according to the website. According to the vice-mayor of the city, however, the residents did not see any tangible results.
Vice Mayor Arturo Flores said that the project had not produced any results for residents. It’s my understanding that there has been an expenditure of approximately $14 million by the City. The residents have received nothing but an empty lot and dead grass.
Linda Caraballo, a former Huntington Park City Council member, reportedly claimed that she had sent a 282-page document to the DA’s Office years ago to warn them about alleged corruption. Caraballo told the local radio station “big-time city officials, from the city manager down to the shooter,” should be ready.
Caraballo said that “heads will roll, and many people will be in serious trouble. They should all immediately seek out lawyers.”
Valentin Amezquita said that another former Huntington Park Council member said this project may not have been the only one corrupted in the city. He suggested conducting ” an audit on the current and previous contracts of the City.”
Amezquita told the local radio station that “this is only the tip of the Iceberg, there are many more.”
According to the DA’s Office, several items, such as public documents, financial paperwork, and electronic devices, were seized.
Hochman stated that his office was committed to making sure public officials adhered to the highest levels of integrity, honesty, and transparency. When concerns are raised about public money or actions by those in power, our office must conduct a thorough investigation and maintain the trust of the public.
I want to thank our dedicated investigators and prosecutors for the hard work they have put in on this complicated case. They are committed to justice and ensuring that everyone is equal before the law.