Politicians and staffers at Los Angeles City Hall were jolted Wednesday, as more than a dozen FBI agents descended on the offices of longtime City Councilman Jose Huizar. Armed with sealed warrants, agents also raided Huizar’s home in Boyle Heights and one of his local field offices.
Authorities would not confirm the nature of the probe, but they brought with them trained canines used to detect hidden electronic devices. A thumb drive, encased in a clear plastic bag, appeared to be among the items seized by investigators.
Although the investigation comes as a shock, it follows years of rumor and legal troubles for the councilman, who is currently working to elect his wife to his campaign seat once he vacates in 2020. A former aide has accused Huizar of having employees work on that campaign on city time. Another aide has said he enlisted city employees to raise money for his alma mater. That same aide also says he asked her to alter calendars that were the subject of a Public Records Act request.
That’s not all. Six years ago, the city paid to settle a lawsuit after Huizar hit a retired Huntington Park police officer while driving a city-issued SUV. A year later, a former aide filed a sexual harassment complaint against him. There have also been whispers about a possible FBI probe since at least 2011.
Huizar’s attorneys and Mayor Eric Garcetti have declined to comment on the FBI investigation. Council President Herb Wesson said it took everyone by surprise and that city officials would continue their jobs as normal until more information comes forth.
Read more on this developing story at the Los Angeles Times.