City hall, mayor’s house near major blue city raided over $14M in missing funds

The city of Huntington, California is in the midst of a major corruption probe, with city hall, the mayor’s house, and residences of current and former council members being raided in connection to a $14 million project. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced that the investigation, dubbed “Operation Dirty Pond,” has been ongoing since November 2022 and is focused on the potential misuse of public funds allocated for the construction of an aquatic center.

The Huntington Park Regional Aquatic Center was intended to be a state-of-the-art facility with an Olympic-size pool, gym, football field, conference rooms, and more. However, residents have yet to see any progress on the project, leading to concerns about the handling of the $14 million budget. Vice Mayor Arturo Flores expressed disappointment, stating that the residents have only received an empty lot with dead grass despite the significant amount of money spent.

Former council member Linda Caraballo reportedly raised concerns about corruption in the project years ago, sending a detailed dossier to the DA’s Office. She warned that high-ranking city officials could be implicated in the probe and advised them to seek legal counsel. Another former council member, Valentin Amezquita, suggested that the aquatic center may not be the only corrupt project in the city and called for a forensic audit of past and current contracts to uncover any additional misconduct.

During the raids, officials seized public records, financial documents, and electronic devices as part of the investigation. DA Hochman emphasized the importance of holding public officials accountable for their actions and ensuring transparency in the use of public funds. He commended the prosecutors and investigators for their dedication to justice and upholding the law, regardless of the individual’s position or title.

The unfolding scandal has shaken the community of Huntington Park, raising questions about accountability and oversight in local government projects. As the probe continues, residents are eager to see justice served and a resolution to the alleged corruption. The city faces a long road ahead in rebuilding trust and restoring integrity in its public institutions.