Malibu CA. – It appears Malibu Mayor pro-tem Jefferson Wagner was the target of retaliatory efforts to deter an ongoing investigation of corruption at City Hall.
Within days of meeting critical witnesses who provided a substantial amount of evidence to support allegations of cronyism and favoritism involving many developers and special interests, Wagner became a target of a clear exercise in harassment.
On Monday April 16, at approximately 10 a.m., two unmarked units, with three detectives in tactical vests from the L.A. District Attorney’s office arrived at the home of mayor pro-tem Wagner based upon an anonymous tip regarding an alleged ‘unlicensed home-based business and construction without a permit’.
The unofficial raid on Wagner’s home was without a warrant, and with no clear directive according to information provided by Candace Brown, who was at home at the time of the raid. She permitted detectives into the residence and escorted them outside to look for construction. No violations were observed.
Wagner was at his condominium near City Hall at the time of the raid.
Brown, who was about to get in to the shower was startled by the detectives pounding on the front door of the home, was directed to get dressed and allow them to enter the premises.
Rob Joseph, Director of Transparency and oversight for the public information website portal run by Malibu residents, malibucalifornia90265.com, who has over 20 year’s experience in Public Corruption investigations, followed up with the lead investigator, the District Attorney’s office and the office of Public Information for the City of Los Angeles seeking information about the purpose of the District Attorney’s actions.
Joseph also reached out to local law enforcement at the Lost Hills Sheriff’s Department to determine if they had any knowledge of this incident and inquire as to whether the D. A’s office notifies them when pursuing investigations within their jurisdiction.
Lt. Jim Royal was immediately responsive to Joseph’s inquiries and advised that the Watch Command had no knowledge of the D.A.’s activities at Wagner’s residence.
Joseph’s request to the D.A.” s office was detailed and specific as to the District Attorney’s policies and procedures and what Joseph calls a civil “paper” process.
After multiple attempts to seek clarification from many official sources, the formal response from the D.A.’s office; “We decline to comment.”
The actions of the D.A.’s office according to Joseph, who asked if their actions were within policies and procedures for what he believes was excessive and unwarranted as well as a clear abuse of color of authority.
In Joseph’s 20 year’s experience, he has not seen such an “over the top” response to a non-criminal “alleged civil violation” which would normally be handled by L.A. County Building and Safety Department.
The timing of this incident is also suspect given the response from the D. A’s office, or lack thereof, which might indicate that this was an “off the books operation”.
The City of Malibu has been under mounting pressure from the community because of the lack of transparency and obvious favoritism to developers and special interests.
The D. A’s action was intended to send a clear message that could potentially stifle any cooperation by Wagner or any other City officials participating in exposing cronyism at Malibu City Hall.
In association with local newspaper The Local (Malibu) and the public information website portal malibucalifornia90265.com, Joseph has interviewed many developers and City Officials who have been providing documentation and information that Joseph believes could lead to a criminal investigation of City officials.
“Based upon the information that I have received, I have some serious concerns, among them, is when a public figure such as Antonio Villaraigosa decides to take personal interest and intervene in the negotiations of City Manager Reva Feldman contract renewal.” Said Joseph
It has been reported that Villaraigosa personally contacted Malibu City Council Members in early 2017 to ensure that her contract would be extended. It appears that after Villaraigosa’s call, some Council members changed their original position and her contract was renewed, with a raise, despite substantial evidence, proving her deficiencies based on information from our sources inside City Hall.
Feldman makes upwards of $300,000 in tax payer dollars, more than most U.S. Senators, to manage a City with approximately 13,000 residents.
Some sources have claimed there is a personal family connection between Feldman and Villaraigosa, of which Joseph reached to Villaraigosa personally for comment. Joseph contacted Villaraigosa’s campaign office and reached out by email with no response. As a last resort Joseph called his personal cell phone left a message who identified themselves as a family member, assuring the message would be passed on. No response had been received by Villaraigosa’s camp. Notwithstanding, it raises questions of possible financial interests by Villaraigosa in Malibu, directly or indirectly.
Wagner was advised by the District Attorney’s office the investigation of the alleged “paper” violations were “closed with no infraction and no further follow up”.
One thing of concern, if true, is the information provided to Joseph regarding corruption at Malibu City Hall could amount to money laundering and tax evasion.
Joseph has filed a request with the office of the Lt. Governor’s to review the matter as he has a great deal of concern that this was a political, unsanctioned “favor” and there are possible Brown Act violations.
Joseph has previously worked with the Public Corruption division with the F.B.I., and is currently compiling documentation for a formal review by the Lt. Governor’s office or a referral to the Public Corruption Division of the F.B.I.
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