District Attorney Closes 60th Anniversary Investigation

INVESTIGATION COMPLETE
According to reliable sources, the Orange County District Attorney's Office has completed its investigation into the Costa Mesa 60th Anniversary Celebration that was held two years ago and ended under a cloud of suspicion of misuse of money, violation of city policies and procedures and other issues.

DA SAYS INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE OF CRIMINAL CHARGES
The OCDA has wrapped up its investigation and concluded there is insufficient evidence to prove any criminal activity beyond a reasonable doubt and will take no further action.  No determination of whether City policies or procedures were violated was made.

FORENSIC AUDIT ON COUNCIL AGENDA TUESDAY
However, the issue of a Forensic Audit of the 60th Anniversary Celebration is on the City Council agenda for Tuesday's meeting.  The question will be whether or not to solicit bids for such an audit, which may cost up to $25,000, depending on the complexity.  It will be very interesting to see if the council majority decides to stonewall any further investigation of this event by denying the use of a Forensic Audit.  Or, will they attempt to get this debacle behind us once and for all by spending twenty-five grand of CEO Tom Hatch's contingency fund for the audit.  It will be an interesting roll of the dice at the end of the agenda Tuesday night.