Just a few months ago, Santa Ana’s police chief Carlos Rojas announced he was leaving to become head of BART’s police. But the real reasoning behind his departure has now become a matter of scrutiny that could place the city in serious legal jeopardy.
In a legal claim filed against the city last week, Rojas says he was forced out of office in an act of retaliation. His sin? Disclosing potential illegal activity on the part of city officials.
The claim -- a precursor to a civil lawsuit -- points the finger at Police Officers Association President Gerry Serrano, former acting city manager Gerardo Mouet, Mayor Miguel Pulido and Councilmembers Jose Solorio and Juan Villegas.
There has been no shortage of stories coming out of Santa Ana lately. The city has been through three permanent or acting city managers and two acting police chiefs in the past year, with grotesque infighting all around.
You can learn more about Rojas’ allegations here.