Man’s work under suspicion
A Santa Monica building inspector was arrested last month on suspicion of soliciting bribes, police announced Tuesday.
The suspect allegedly asked for cash in return for covering up building code violations during the past three months, according to police and city officials.
Police are not releasing any information on the suspect while the investigation is on-going, but city officials confirmed he is male and not a native of Santa Monica.
The worker, a temporary employee contracted by the city to inspect buildings and make sure they meet code, was arrested in the middle of February, according to city officials.
His work during December, January and the beginning of February is under investigation.
While the extent of the suspected crimes is still unknown, Suzanne Frick, who heads the city’s planning department, said the charges are serious.
466,“We are very disturbed,” Frick said Tuesday. “If the allegations are correct, his behavior was reprehensible and we hope he is prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
Building Officer Tim McCormick said the alleged wrongdoing may reach well beyond the individual suspect’s actions.
“We’re concerned that there may be other parties involved, and we’d like them to come forward,” McCormick said. “We’re doing everything we can to investigate (the alleged solicitations).”
McCormick — who oversees the city’s building department — said he doesn’t know how the suspect got away with the alleged crimes, but credited the city’s employee probation period and evaluation processes for nabbing the temporary worker.
Assistant City Manager Judy Rambeau said the city will not rest until every lead is exhausted.
“We’re going to be following up with all the job sites this person may have touched,” Rambeau said. “And we’re going to make sure systems are instituted so nothing like this can ever happen again.”
Any person with information regarding this investigation should call SMPD Detective David Hunscke at (310) 458-8949.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on March 5, 2003. Read the original PDF.