5 California Water Officials Accused Of Misusing Public Funds

Editor's note: one name was removed from this article as they were released on all counts.

CALIFORNIA -- Attorney General Xavier Becerra this week announced the arrest and charges against five water officials who he said used taxpayer money for home remodels, work on a Porsche and Katy Perry tickets. The officials are charged in a felony complaint with a total of ten counts, eight counts relating to the theft of public funds and two counts relating to crimes involving hazardous waste disposal.

Becerra's office estimates the loss of public money at $100,000.

Dennis Falaschi, Julie Cascia, (removed), Jack Hurley, and Dubby West who previously worked for Panoche Water District were arrested or surrendered for booking on Feb. 21. The arrests were the product of a joint year-long investigation by the Attorney General’s Office and the Department of Toxic Substances Control, Becerra's office said.

The defendants allegedly spent public money for personal expenses, such as illegal slot machines, kitchen remodeling, residential landscaping, car work, and baseball and concert tickets.

“In California, those in public posts who abuse the public's trust for personal gain will be held accountable,” Becerra said. “The California Department of Justice will investigate and prosecute those who embezzle and misuse public funds. We will work with our law enforcement partners to get the job done.”

The criminal complaint alleged (removed), the ex-General Manager of PWD, ran the district as his own personal operation and bank account, spending excessive amounts of district money using credit cards issued by PWD. Under the direction of (removed), Cascia used PWD credit cards and money orders for personal expenses, while mischaracterizing the charges as business expenses, the complaint said.

Dennis’ son, (removed), took items from PWD, including trees, equipment, and other goods, and used them on his own personal property, the complaint alleged.

The remaining defendants illegally buried barrels of hazardous waste without permits or authorization from DTSC, acting under the direction of (removed), Becerra's office said.

PWD is a California Water District and public agency formed with the primary purpose to distribute water for irrigation, municipal and industrial uses, and to own, operate, and maintain a water delivery system for Central Valley families.

--FILE - In this Jan. 24, 2018, file photo California Attorney General Xavier Becerra talks during a news conference in Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File)