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Former La Cañada Flintridge assistant city manager charged with fraud, embezzlement
The former assistant city manager of La Cañada Flintridge was charged with stealing nearly $200,000 meant for the city.
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The city of La Cañada Flintridge
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Topline:
The former assistant city manager of La Cañada Flintridge, Carl Alameda, has been charged with stealing nearly $200,000 meant for the city, according to L.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman.
What are the charges: Alameda was charged with 11 felony counts of embezzlement and 23 counts of insurance fraud. The former city manager pleaded not guilty Wednesday and faces 33 years in prison if convicted. Alameda did not immediately respond to LAist’s request for comment.
Why it matters: “It is a major disservice and betrayal of trust when public officials place their own selfish interests over the communities they serve," Hochman said in a statement. “It undermines faith in our government.”
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The backstory: Prosecutors say Alameda sent letters to insurance companies between 2016 and 2022 using city letterhead and requested reimbursement for accidents or property damage caused by drivers in the city. They also accuse him of falsifying invoices and depositing nearly $200,000 worth of reimbursement checks into his bank account.
What’s next: Alameda, who is listed as the city of Ojai’s assistant city manager, is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on July 23.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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