Voice of OC (https://voiceofoc.org/tag/oc-public-works/page/3/)
Report asserts OC leadership created conditions within the department that have spawned low morale, distrust and fear. It singles out the Bustamante case and states that more sexual harassment claims could be coming.
The case against the Santa Ana councilman, accused of multiple sex crimes, is permanently tainted by “inflammatory” comments made by District Attorney Tony Rackauckas, said Bustamante’s attorney.
Jess Carbajal was the direct supervisor of Carlos Bustamante, who has been accused by the district attorney of multiple sex crimes.
The Santa Ana city councilman is ordered to avoid the seven women who say they are victims of his alleged sex crimes.
Allegations regarding Carlos Bustamante’s conduct toward women working under him in OC Public Works first surfaced in March 2011. Why did it take seven months for high-level officials to call in the DA?
Reporters swarmed the council chambers after news of sex-crime charges against the councilman broke. His absence also added a twist to the long-running Downtown Inc. fight.
Carlos Bustamante, once a rising Latino star in the local Republican Party, has been charged with 12 felonies, including assault, sexual battery and false imprisonment.
Director Jess Carbajal is put on administrative leave while others speak of “scummy behavior” and one executive quits in disgust.
Jess Carbajal is one of the high-ranking county officials who allegedly did not take appropriate action when sexual harassment complaints against Carlos Bustamante emerged.
District Attorney Tony Rackauckas’ office acknowledges receipt of a referral for investigation of sex harassment allegations against the Santa Ana city councilman and former high-ranking county executive.