Voice of OC (https://voiceofoc.org/tag/napa-orange-county-auto-parts/)
While the DA’s office has officially cleared Santa Ana Mayor Miguel Pulido of criminal conflict of interest relating to his property swap with a city contractor, prosecutors have asked state officials to investigate whether he committed tax fraud.
The Fair Political Practices Commission found Santa Ana Mayor Miguel Pulido violated several state laws related to a property swap with a city contractor. But the finding creates a possible loophole for politicians regarding gifts.
Sources familiar with the investigation say Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas will not be filing criminal charges against Santa Ana Mayor Miguel Pulido related to a property swap with a city contractor that a good government expert said could be a bribe.
The DA’s office says the investigation into Santa Ana Mayor Miguel Pulido goes on, despite the passing of a statute of limitations deadline outlined in a city report.
District Attorney Tony Rackauckas didn’t announce a possible misdemeanor charge stemming from Santa Ana Mayor Miguel Pulido’s property swap with a city contractor by the statute of limitations deadline.
The Orange County District Attorney’s office has been investigating crimes allegedly committed by Mayor Miguel Pulido in his property swap with a city contractor. The statute of limitations on one of those crimes runs out Jan. 4.
Sources say Orange County District Attorney’s Office has yet to interview key witnesses in the property swap investigation, which both a city investigative report and former FBI agent say is crucial.
In closed session Tuesday, the city council will discuss possible legal action regarding Mayor Miguel Pulido’s property swap with a city contractor, including “civil/criminal” cases, according to meeting agenda.
The attempted eminent domain of Ace Muffler in the 1980s gave Santa Ana Mayor Miguel Pulido a cause célèbre and launched his political career. Now, the government is again threatening to seize the business.
Miguel Pulido may seek to extend his 20-years as mayor of Santa Ana.