4 Irwindale Officials Face Charges Of Misappropriating $200K In Public Funds

IRWINDALE (CBSLA.com) — Four Irwindale officials were in court today to face charges of misappropriating nearly $200,000 in city money.

Councilmen Mark Breceda and Manuel Garcia, former Councilwoman Rosemary Ramirez and former Finance Director Abe De Dios are accused by the Los Angeles County District Attorney of spending “lavishly” on dining and entertainment that had nothing to do with city business while on trips to New York City.

The D.A. says the four traveled to the metropolitan between 2001 and 2005 to get a higher bond rating for Irwindale, and spent the funds on stays at exclusive hotels, dining at fine restaurants, buying tickets to Broadway musicals including Wicked and Mamma Mia and to Yankees and Mets games.

Prosecutors announced in August Breceda and De Dios had been charged with five counts each of misappropriation of public funds, embezzlement and conflict of interest.

Ramirez is charged with two counts each of misappropriation of public funds, embezzlement and conflict of interest.

Garcia is charged with one count each of misappropriation of public funds, embezzlement and conflict of interest.

KNX1070’s Ed Mertz reports the four are now out on bond and are due back in court next month to enter pleas.