The Murrieta City Council voted unanimously Thursday to remove Harry Ramos as the city’s mayor following a detailed report of alleged ethics violations. Ramos will also be removed from all committee assignments, but the sanctions do not prevent him from serving on the council.
The 80-page report was commissioned in June and authored by private investigator Betty Kelepecz. It outlines 13 instances of misconduct, including abuse of power, threats against city employees and sexual harassment.
Ramos condemned the council’s actions Thursday.
“There was no due process here – while I always felt this was a witch hunt. There was always the perception of shred of due process,” Ramos said.
Kelepecz, however, maintains that numerous attempts were made to reach out to Ramos for his side of the story. He repeatedly deferred opportunities to meet, she said.
Council Member Ran Lane will take over as interim mayor.
Read more about Thursday’s vote and the allegations against Ramos here.