Voice of OC (https://voiceofoc.org/tag/joe-felz/)
The Fullerton Police Department is facing at least two controversies: its police chief is on paid leave after an alleged fight at a late August concert and, separately, a former sergeant was charged with falsifying a 2016 police report.
Former Fullerton City Manager Joe Felz pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count of reckless driving involving alcohol that stems from his 2016 election night car crash when he ran it up a curb, over a tree and attempted to drive off on a flat tire.
County Counsel Leon Page said Tom Conklin and Abraham Santos’ claims of wrongdoing were found to be false in an independent investigation. Their attorney disputes the investigation and says his clients will be filing suit.
Former Fullerton Police Chief Danny Hughes said Monday the investigation of ex-City Manager Joe Felz’ election night car crash was handled in a way that considered “objectivity.”
His arraignment is scheduled for April 3. If convicted, he faces up to one year in county jail.
In a normal year, Orange County gets more than its fair share of political theater. In 2016, one of the most important election years in recent history, it was worthy of Broadway.
Joe Felz, who has been leave since he crashed his car after drinking on election night, will retire at the end of the month, according to a letter Councilwoman Jennifer Fitzgerald read during Tuesday night’s City Council meeting.
It’s been four weeks since Fullerton City Manager Joe Felz’ car crash in the wee hours of Nov. 9, and Felz remains on paid leave while the police are continuing what has become a mysterious investigation into the incident.
“We’re completely in the dark,” said Councilman Bruce Whitaker regarding the investigation into City Manager Joe Felz’s accident in a residential neighborhood during the wee hours of Nov. 9 after he had been drinking at election night parties.
City Manager Joe Felz had a “minor” driving accident early Wednesday morning after celebrating at election night parties in downtown Fullerton. Police believed Felz was “emitting an odor of alcohol,” but did not administer a breathalyzer test.