In 2019, plans were unveiled with great excitement for the construction of an aquatics center in Huntington Park, featuring an Olympic-size pool to benefit residents in the community. The city officials lauded it as a significant enhancement that would promote unity, health, and education for individuals of all ages. However, six years later, the promised center remains unbuilt, prompting an investigation by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office to trace the whereabouts of the millions of dollars allocated for the project.
City Hall Raid and Corruption Probe
Recently, Huntington Park City Hall and the residences of both current and former City Council members were subjects of a search conducted by the L.A. County district attorney’s office as part of a corruption inquiry. The investigation, known as Operation Dirty Pond, seized electronic devices, documents, and records from Mayor Karina Macias, Councilmember Eduardo “Eddie” Martinez, and other implicated individuals. The city’s Public Works Department and City Manager Ricardo Reyes were also involved in the search. The warrants served marked a significant development in the ongoing probe, which commenced in November 2022 due to concerns over the misuse of funds allocated for the aquatic center.
The city allocated more than $20 million for the project, of which approximately $14 million has been expended, despite no physical construction taking place. The investigative efforts aim to shed light on the allegations of bribery, misappropriation of public funds, conflict of interest, money laundering, and conspiracy. Among the focal points of the investigation is Efren Martinez, who has been previously embroiled in controversies with city officials.
Previous Controversies and Retaliation Allegations
This is not the first time Huntington Park officials have faced scrutiny over alleged misconduct. In 2017, an inquiry was initiated regarding Mayor Macias’s involvement in fundraising for Martinez’s state Assembly campaign. The investigation revealed that campaign funds originated from companies seeking business opportunities with the city. Despite these allegations, no charges were brought against Macias. Subsequent controversies emerged in 2021 when city employees accused leaders of retaliation concerning questionable contracts and financial improprieties.
These claims further escalated when a budget analyst was arrested for suspected breach of confidential records, leading to additional employees being placed on leave. Lawsuits filed by former employees detailed instances of retaliation for opposing irregular discounts on city fees and attempting to maintain financial integrity within the city’s operations. The intricate web of accusations and investigations underscores the complex nature of the ongoing probe into the allocation and utilization of public funds in Huntington Park.
As the investigation unfolds, law enforcement officers have also served search warrants at the residences and offices of individuals and entities linked to the aquatic center project, including Unified Consulting Services and JT Construction Group Inc. The scrutiny extends to financial transactions and contractual agreements related to the construction, with city officials striving to reconcile the expenses incurred with the funds provided. The commitment to uncovering the truth and upholding accountability in public office underscores the significance of maintaining trust and integrity in governance.
In his statement, L.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman commended the dedicated efforts of prosecutors and investigators involved in the case, emphasizing the importance of justice prevailing irrespective of an individual’s status or role. The pursuit of transparency and ethical conduct in public service remains paramount in ensuring the public’s confidence and safeguarding the integrity of governance.
Times staff writer James Queally contributed to this report.
