Daily Journal Exclusive on Federal Investigation involving Councilman Jose Huizar and former School Board Member David Tokofsky
** Notice to readers: We post the full Daily Journal article on the Federal Investigation of Councilman Jose Huizar and former LAUSD School Board Member David Tokofsky, with the kind and gracious permission of Daily Journal Associate Editor Evelyn Larrubia.
Link to the Daily Journal here. (Daily Journal is a "paid subscription" site)
By Ciaran McEvoy and Greg Katz Daily Journal Staff Writers
LOS ANGELES - Federal authorities are investigating Los Angeles City Councilman Jose Huizar and former Los Angeles Unified School Board member David Tokofsky in connection with payments they received from a nonprofit group founded by late labor leader Miguel Contreras, the Daily Journal has learned.
The heart of the probe involves what, if any, work the officials completed for the roughly $30,000 in fees they were each paid while they were both sitting school board members, three sources with direct knowledge of the investigation said. At the time, school board members were paid about $24,000 a year for their official duties.
Authorities are also investigating whether the money for payments from Voter Improvement Program Inc. originated from entities that had business before the school board that the two officials could influence, according to sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the investigation.
It is legal for elected officials to earn outside income in addition to their public work. But it is illegal for them to receive personal income from outside sources related to the discharge of their official duties.
In an interview, Tokofsky said he was unaware that he was the subject of any federal investigation. He defended the money he received from the group, saying the work he did for VIP was legitimate. He declined to elaborate.
Huizar, who was contacted in person at his home, would not comment. He later issued a statement through a spokesman saying he "would be willing to cooperate with any inquiry."
It is unclear when or whether an indictment will come down. Some sources said criminal charges may be close, but others indicated prosecutors may ultimately decide not to file a case.
Witnesses have recently been called to testify before a grand jury. Thom Mrozek, spokesman with the U.S. attorney's office in Los Angeles, declined comment.
Several sources told the Daily Journal that documents were filed under seal in February and March asking a judge to remove Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig H. Missakian from prosecuting the case because of his political history as a Republican candidate for the California Assembly.
In 2000, union-backed Democrat Dario J. Frommer defeated Missakian in a hotly contested race for the 43rd Assembly District in the Glendale-Burbank area. Secretary of State campaign finance records show that the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor donated directly to Frommer's campaign -- and also made a donation to VIP for its efforts to get Frommer elected.
Frommer served in the Assembly from 2000 to 2006 and was its majority leader from 2004 to 2006.
U.S. District Judge Christina A. Snyder declined to disqualify the prosecutor from the case, several sources said.
LAUSD records show Huizar and Tokofsky both reported receiving payments from VIP for amounts between $10,000 and $100,000 in 2003 and 2004.
Tokofsky filed his 2003 report, which disclosed his personal income from VIP, a year late, in 2005. He paid a $100 fine for the late disclosure, which he documented in his report for 2004.
While Huizar and Tokofsky were not the only consultants hired by VIP, sources said the timing and payment amounts were similar enough to arouse suspicion. It was unclear what either did for the get-out-the-vote organization.
The payments to Huizar and Tokofsky stopped after Contreras died in 2005, the same year
Huizar was elected to the city council. Tokofsky left the school board in 2007 after deciding not to seek a fourth term.
Sources said the investigation into Huizar and Tokofsky spun off from a broader look at VIP that has been going on for years.
The organization was founded in 1997 to register and educate voters as well as campaign for ballot initiatives. Contreras, head of the powerful Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, was chairman of VIP's board of directors until he died in 2005.
VIP, which identified itself as a fundraising and political advocacy organization, attracted scrutiny several years ago for its political activism on behalf of union-backed causes and candidates. It solicited money from entertainment conglomerates, energy companies, unions and others, some of whom later said they thought the funds were strictly for voter education drives.
Unions are forbidden from taking employers' money in their fundraising. VIP, which was not a union but was founded and run by prominent union organizers, raised money from employers.
The group also appears to have done political work. Antonio Villaraigosa, for instance, hired VIP to provide phonebanking for his failed 2001 mayoral run, records show.
In 2005, then-state Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez, D-Los Angeles, came under fire for accepting $35,000 a year from VIP for consulting work. He subsequently cut his ties to the group.
VIP dissolved in 2006 and its remaining funds were transferred to Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy, records show. Among VIP's board members was Madeline Janis, LAANE's executive director.
"It was a group that had a mission and a purpose," she said of VIP. "Hundreds of volunteers knocked on doors in south L.A. and East L.A. to get people to vote."
Janis declined to comment on the investigation.
Missakian was also involved in the prosecution of former Los Angeles City Councilmember Martin Ludlow, who resigned as head of the labor federation in light of embezzlement allegations in 2006. The case was prosecuted jointly by the U.S. attorney's office and Los Angeles County district attorney's office.
Authorities accused Ludlow of scheming with the head of Service Employees International Union Local 99 to pay workers for Ludlow's city council campaign out of union coffers. The pair were alleged to have falsified union records and fabricated documents.
Ludlow, who was the federation's political director under Contreras, pleaded guilty to conspiring to violate federal labor laws that prohibit embezzling from a labor organization.
ciaran_mcevoy@dailyjournal.com
greg_katz@dailyjournal.com
Excellent job by Ciaran McEvoy and Greg Katz.
Your thoughts.......................
Link to the Daily Journal here. (Daily Journal is a "paid subscription" site)
By Ciaran McEvoy and Greg Katz Daily Journal Staff Writers
LOS ANGELES - Federal authorities are investigating Los Angeles City Councilman Jose Huizar and former Los Angeles Unified School Board member David Tokofsky in connection with payments they received from a nonprofit group founded by late labor leader Miguel Contreras, the Daily Journal has learned.
The heart of the probe involves what, if any, work the officials completed for the roughly $30,000 in fees they were each paid while they were both sitting school board members, three sources with direct knowledge of the investigation said. At the time, school board members were paid about $24,000 a year for their official duties.
Authorities are also investigating whether the money for payments from Voter Improvement Program Inc. originated from entities that had business before the school board that the two officials could influence, according to sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the investigation.
It is legal for elected officials to earn outside income in addition to their public work. But it is illegal for them to receive personal income from outside sources related to the discharge of their official duties.
In an interview, Tokofsky said he was unaware that he was the subject of any federal investigation. He defended the money he received from the group, saying the work he did for VIP was legitimate. He declined to elaborate.
Huizar, who was contacted in person at his home, would not comment. He later issued a statement through a spokesman saying he "would be willing to cooperate with any inquiry."
It is unclear when or whether an indictment will come down. Some sources said criminal charges may be close, but others indicated prosecutors may ultimately decide not to file a case.
Witnesses have recently been called to testify before a grand jury. Thom Mrozek, spokesman with the U.S. attorney's office in Los Angeles, declined comment.
Several sources told the Daily Journal that documents were filed under seal in February and March asking a judge to remove Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig H. Missakian from prosecuting the case because of his political history as a Republican candidate for the California Assembly.
In 2000, union-backed Democrat Dario J. Frommer defeated Missakian in a hotly contested race for the 43rd Assembly District in the Glendale-Burbank area. Secretary of State campaign finance records show that the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor donated directly to Frommer's campaign -- and also made a donation to VIP for its efforts to get Frommer elected.
Frommer served in the Assembly from 2000 to 2006 and was its majority leader from 2004 to 2006.
U.S. District Judge Christina A. Snyder declined to disqualify the prosecutor from the case, several sources said.
LAUSD records show Huizar and Tokofsky both reported receiving payments from VIP for amounts between $10,000 and $100,000 in 2003 and 2004.
Tokofsky filed his 2003 report, which disclosed his personal income from VIP, a year late, in 2005. He paid a $100 fine for the late disclosure, which he documented in his report for 2004.
While Huizar and Tokofsky were not the only consultants hired by VIP, sources said the timing and payment amounts were similar enough to arouse suspicion. It was unclear what either did for the get-out-the-vote organization.
The payments to Huizar and Tokofsky stopped after Contreras died in 2005, the same year
Huizar was elected to the city council. Tokofsky left the school board in 2007 after deciding not to seek a fourth term.
Sources said the investigation into Huizar and Tokofsky spun off from a broader look at VIP that has been going on for years.
The organization was founded in 1997 to register and educate voters as well as campaign for ballot initiatives. Contreras, head of the powerful Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, was chairman of VIP's board of directors until he died in 2005.
VIP, which identified itself as a fundraising and political advocacy organization, attracted scrutiny several years ago for its political activism on behalf of union-backed causes and candidates. It solicited money from entertainment conglomerates, energy companies, unions and others, some of whom later said they thought the funds were strictly for voter education drives.
Unions are forbidden from taking employers' money in their fundraising. VIP, which was not a union but was founded and run by prominent union organizers, raised money from employers.
The group also appears to have done political work. Antonio Villaraigosa, for instance, hired VIP to provide phonebanking for his failed 2001 mayoral run, records show.
In 2005, then-state Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez, D-Los Angeles, came under fire for accepting $35,000 a year from VIP for consulting work. He subsequently cut his ties to the group.
VIP dissolved in 2006 and its remaining funds were transferred to Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy, records show. Among VIP's board members was Madeline Janis, LAANE's executive director.
"It was a group that had a mission and a purpose," she said of VIP. "Hundreds of volunteers knocked on doors in south L.A. and East L.A. to get people to vote."
Janis declined to comment on the investigation.
Missakian was also involved in the prosecution of former Los Angeles City Councilmember Martin Ludlow, who resigned as head of the labor federation in light of embezzlement allegations in 2006. The case was prosecuted jointly by the U.S. attorney's office and Los Angeles County district attorney's office.
Authorities accused Ludlow of scheming with the head of Service Employees International Union Local 99 to pay workers for Ludlow's city council campaign out of union coffers. The pair were alleged to have falsified union records and fabricated documents.
Ludlow, who was the federation's political director under Contreras, pleaded guilty to conspiring to violate federal labor laws that prohibit embezzling from a labor organization.
ciaran_mcevoy@dailyjournal.com
greg_katz@dailyjournal.com
Excellent job by Ciaran McEvoy and Greg Katz.
Your thoughts.......................
Labels: "COUNCILMAN LAST SEEN AS JOSE HUIZAR", Daily Journal, david tokofsky
Posted by Red Spot in CD 14 @ 8/07/2009 09:52:00 AM
22 Comments:
It still doesn't look like much of a story so far other than the scandal tone arising from taking money for possible undisclosed purposes.
But that really doesn't distinguish this situation from what happens all the time with different players doing what falls within (mostly) legal limits.
If you look at the comparisons mentions, including Fabian Nunez, nothing of any substance happened in terms of legal penalties or other negative consequences.
There really has to be something more to all this for all the fuss that is being made.
And by the way, if something arises from this that shows Miguel Contreras was "dirty" somehow with the dealings here with school board members, will the LAUSD change the name to something other than the "Miguel Contreras Learning Center"? When you talk about messages sent and being role models, wouldn't that be a foregone conclusion, especially when it reflects so directly on the LAUSD as an educational institution?
If Huizar just wants to be liked, this is bad. But then he's been heading away from that for a long time, even with his lukewarm posture as a leadership reaction on MMDs- the situation that should not have been allowed to snowball like it did in the first place by PLUM's inaction.
in cd-14, where Jose is never at a loss to find more countries to join in making a city hall resolution for their "day." Maybe he should worry more about constituents here first.
Red Spooge, you are a rank amateur.
You didn't have to ask for permission to repost the article if you just provided a link to it.
Stop being such a pussy. If your post were more interesting, readers will hit the "back" button to come back to Mayor Sam. Plus, just posting a link takes up less space and enables everyone to see what's posted below your entry.
Don't forget to stoop being sunch a poosie
12:06
"It still doesn't look like much of a story so far . . ."
And Watergate was ignored as a "petty burglary" with no ties to anyone important by most media, for a year or more
Great job Red Spot. when the FEDS investigate they open ALL your shit so who knows what else they will find. Monica Garcia must be shaking in her boots. I think this investigation will also lead back to Antonio. Huizar was his little bitch and he did and said exactly as told. You dont' think AV wanted some of that money????? Think again
There is going to be along list of people in this.
Hey Mrs. Doubtfire Greig Smith is earning what the PPL told him to do and why they promoted his event and not LAPD. Seems they tell him how to vote and do everything in council and committee. He has no balls as a man, no brain and Paul Weber makes do what he wants. Paul Koretz is next. He owes PPL for all that money they gave him to get elected. See folks the PPL is not for the cops on the street. They are nothing more then Mafia union assholes who buy politicans.
...Greig Smith, who, since his ascension to the chairmanship of the council's Public Safety Committee, has demonstrated a pointlessly intrusive, almost absurd propensity to assert micromanagerial authority over the LAPD, involving himself in deployment and other issues that clearly exceed the lawmakers' competence.
12:53pm- I know, and that's exactly the point- hence the later statement: "There really has to be something more to all this for all the fuss that is being made." We will just have to wait.
(12:09, On Red Spot's "error" in style: The Daily Journal links should not work since it's a subscription paper. http://www.dailyjournal.com/ But you might have better luck. But normally, posts with pastes of entire articles do make for tedious browsing.)
Very funny. It's not hard to exceed Greig Smith's competence. Red Spot could do that.
Well, this story will be much more interesting if a non-profit is being used to funnel "compensation" from a donor with business before the school district to elected officials like Huizar and Tokofsky. And if these persons provided no services for the compensation received, then it is using a non-profit for a private benefit -- definitely illegal under federal law.
There is fire burning in Huizar's house.
Word on the street is that jose Huizar is very nervous about what his staffer is going to do to him. The young lady that got threaten by jose at the national night out event in Boyle heights. Supposedly lawyers have already been calling telling her that they would take the case for free. The pile of trouble just keeps getting bigger.
Heard Richelle was angry at jose for what he did. She is apprenyly been talking to people about all there problems. I don't think anyone is getting much sleep at the Huizar house.
What should we rename Huizar?
Headed to the pen (federal) Huizar?
Slap a chick joser
hit'em and quit'em wezzy
Why is Huizar's Boyle Heights Office closed early today ??
How does Antonio always avoid being investigated in connection with these stories? Ludlow was his right-hand man and Antonio had the same union operatives in his campaign that led to a conviction for Ludlow. Mr. and Mrs. Miguel Contreras considered Antonio "familia". There is so much more to this.
4:38
They were all out trying to clean this mess up. trying to hide the money. Just because you took the money out of the house safe doesnt matter Josethe Feds are already on it. You better just take the deal. remember, firts one to speak get the deal.
Huizar is so scared he called a ALL FAMILY meeting at his house to make sure they dont say anything that will get him thrown in jail.
Jose, dont get them in trouble too. Its time you take responsiblity for what you have done.
VIP isn't the only place you got paid for doing nothing. Remember those days at the law firm when you would go outside and take naps in your car.
What about Lloyd Levine's consultanting job? You really didnt do much consulting there either.
It was bound to catch up with you. Just "Take responsibilty for what you have done".
Sources just confirmed that Jose Huizar is frantically try to find out who is Red Spot and whom might be blogging bad about him. He has aquired the help of two I.T. Specialist named Uli and one Mr. Lucero. Apperently they have been talking to men people about their assignment. I hope they know this is illegal and the Feds are probably monitoring Huizar moves. Wouldn't want to get you gentalmen mixed up in all this.
3:40 A couple of things to consider- attorneys can advertise but they cannot directly solicit a client if they want to conform to the Rules of Profesisonal Conduct and avoid disciplinary action by the State Bar.
Next, taking a case for "free" usually is only within the domain of legal aid for qualified clients; It's probably a contingency fee that's meant, and that is not the same as "free." And to be worth any trouble, what's the remedy? What are the lady's damages for being scolded by a CM, especially if he only went over the top in what he might have had cause to do in the first place?
Now, if there was some video of the incident we could really have something to talk about. You can bet people will be more prepared to catch Jose on camera from now on and you know Jose will be watching his public behavior more conscientiously from now on, lest he wind up starring on YouTube where no indictments are needed to find one "guilty."
Still observing.
If he has "hired" I.T specialist for recon, then that means they themselves can be in a world of hurt. Hacking any website is a federal offence.... Just dont get caught guys or you will be doing some time.
1:19 Alatorre Inc wanted some of that money.
Alatorre most corrupt politician in Los Angeles.
Huizar= baby food compared to Alatorre.
FBI investigate Alatorre
yeh yeh, Phil and Uli, you know dem hard drives have long memories bro.
Dont tossing them Nuch knows your names already...have fun in prison with Hweezziii dum dums.
I KEEP TELLING PEOPLE THAT AS LONG AS VOTERS KEEP SUPPORTING NAME CANDIDATES WITH MONEY YOU WILL NEVER FIX THE PROBLEMS IN LA, PERIOD!! VOTE THEM OUT AND LOOK TO PEOPLE WHO DON'T REPRESENT SPECIAL INTERESTS , DEVELOPERS AND UNIONS. DON'T FALL FOR THE PROGANDA EVEN ON THIS SITE. USE YOU MIND AND RESEARCH THESE PEOPLES BACKGROUNDS BEFORE YOU VOTE. STATS DON'T MEAN MUCH , HOW MANY DEGREED CANDIDATES HAVE BROKEN THE LAW, IT'S A LONG LIST.
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