Corruption Probe Targets Huntington Park Officials Over Aquatic Center Funds

HUNTINGTON PARK, Calif. — Authorities with the Los Angeles County District Attorney‘s Office executed search warrants Wednesday morning at Huntington Park City Hall and ten other locations as part of an investigation into the alleged misuse of public funds intended for the construction of the city’s aquatic center.

Dubbed “Operation Dirty Pond,” the investigation centers on the $24 million aquatic center project at Salt Lake Park, which has been in development since at least 2019. The inquiry began in November 2022 and involves allegations of financial mismanagement linked to current and former city officials, including Mayor Karina Macias, Councilmembers Eddie Martinez and Marilyn Sanabria, and City Manager Ricardo Reyes.

Prosecutors stated that investigators seized a variety of items, including public records, financial documents, computers, tablets, and cell phones, during the searches. DA Nathan Hochman emphasized the commitment of his office to uphold public trust and transparency, stating, “When concerns arise about the use of public funds or the actions of those in office, it is our duty to investigate thoroughly and protect the public’s trust.”

In response to the searches, Huntington Park officials confirmed that the city is cooperating fully with the District Attorney’s investigation. A city spokesperson said, “The City of Huntington Park acknowledges that the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office has made visits to current and former city officials and is dedicated to resolving the matter promptly and transparently.”

Yellow caution tape could be seen around the City Hall entrances, and only law enforcement personnel were authorized to enter the building. Residents expressed frustration over the investigation, with some stating they were not surprised given ongoing suspicions about the management of city funds.

Vice Mayor Arturo Flores commented on the circumstances leading to the probe, expressing a desire for accountability over the missing funds. He indicated he had seen signs of potential mismanagement regarding the aquatic center project, which remains an empty lot despite significant financial expenditures.

“It’s my understanding that there is an estimated $14 million, give or take, that has been expended by the city,” Flores noted. “And from those funds, residents have received only an empty lot with dead grass — nothing to show for those millions.”

Huntington Park has a population of about 51,000 and is located approximately five miles south of downtown Los Angeles. Many community members have raised concerns about the fate of the aquatic center, with residents lamenting the loss of potential recreational opportunities for local children.

One resident, Daniel Fierro, expressed disappointment over the situation, saying, “They just didn’t do it. I don’t know what happened to the money, but they didn’t do it. The playground needs to go up for the kids.”

The search warrants were not limited to City Hall; they also targeted the residences of city officials and contractors involved in the aquatic center’s planning and construction. Investigators also looked into Unified Consulting Services LLC and JT Construction Group, the latter being identified as a contractor selected for the aquatic center project.

As the investigation continues, no arrests have been reported, but DA Hochman reiterated the importance of accountability among elected officials. The current inquiry adds to the scrutiny that Huntington Park officials have faced in recent years concerning their fiscal operations.

Local authorities are encouraging anyone with more information about the aquatic center project and the related investigation to contact the District Attorney’s office.