Authorities executed multiple search warrants across Huntington Park on Wednesday morning, targeting City Hall and the residences of several current and former city officials, including Mayor Karina Macias.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office spearheaded the operation as part of an ongoing corruption investigation, dubbed “Operation Dirty Pond.”
Investigation Into Alleged Misuse of Public Funds
District Attorney Nathan Hochman confirmed that 11 locations were searched, including Huntington Park City Hall, the home of the city manager, and a Glendale-based construction company. The probe, initiated in 2022, focuses on potential mismanagement of public funds earmarked for an aquatic center at Salt Lake Park.
Locations Targeted in the Raid
Investigators served search warrants at the following locations:
- Huntington Park City Hall
- Huntington Park Public Works Yard (near Salt Lake Park)
- Salt Lake Park (site of proposed aquatic center)
- Unified Consulting Services, LLC (business office)
- Mayor Karina Macias’ residence
- City Councilmember Eddie Martinez’s residence
- Former City Councilmember Graciela Ortiz’s residence
- Former City Councilmember Marilyn Sanabria’s residence
- Home of JT Construction Group, Inc. owners Edvin Tsaturyan and Sona Vardikyan (Glendale)
- Former city official Efren Martinez’s residence (Los Angeles)
- Current City Manager Ricardo Reyes’ residence (Downey)
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Evidence Seized
Authorities confiscated multiple items from these locations, including:
- Financial records
- Computers, tablets, and cell phones
- Other electronic devices related to the investigation
Statement from the District Attorney
Hochman emphasized the seriousness of the case, stating that the integrity of public office is a top priority.
“We are committed to ensuring that public officials operate with honesty and transparency,” he said. “When taxpayer funds are at stake, it is our responsibility to investigate thoroughly and hold individuals accountable.”
He reiterated that no one is exempt from the law, regardless of their position.
Public Assistance Requested
Authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to contact Sgt. Robert L. Jackson of the District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigation at 213-257-2511.
About Huntington Park
Huntington Park is a three-square-mile city in southeast Los Angeles County, within the Gateway Cities region. It has a population of approximately 55,000, according to the 2020 U.S. Census .
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