San Bernardino bankruptcy: Criminal probe underway

[WestVirginiaRebel]

Los Angeles Times:

Law enforcement officials said Thursday that they have an open criminal investigation regarding allegations of misconduct in the city government of San Bernardino, which announced this week it was going to file for bankruptcy.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department released a statement confirming the probe but released few other details.

"Several months ago at the request of San Bernardino city officials, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, along with the San Bernardino Police Department and the district attorney’s office began an investigation related to allegations of possible criminal activity within departments of the San Bernardino city government," the statement said. "The investigation is continuing, and details will not be released at this time. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available."

PHOTOS: California cities in bankruptcy

There have been allegations that some financial documents were falsified to hide the seriousness of San Bernardino's financial woes.

Meanwhile, San Bernardino’s police and fire chiefs Thursday assured residents that the agencies will continue to aggressively respond to crime, fires and medical emergencies despite the city’s decision to seek bankruptcy protection.

Police Chief Rob Handy, who took over the job in October, said he plans to shift officers from specialized assignments, including gang units, to patrol duty to ensure quick response to reports of crime.

DOCUMENT: San Bernardino bankruptcy report

“We will continue to provide emergency and essential services to the residents of this community. We will do what it takes," Handy told reporters at a morning news conference at police headquarters.

Still, Handy expects more officers to leave or retire as the cloud of bankruptcy hangs over the city, an attrition that he said could eventually affect crime prevention and community policing programs.

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Meanwhile, the crooks in Sacremento are still in charge...