Huntington Park Officials Under Investigation in ‘Operation Dirty Pond’

HUNTINGTON PARK, Calif. — Authorities executed search warrants at Huntington Park City Hall and the homes of current and former city officials on Wednesday as part of a corruption investigation called “Operation Dirty Pond,” the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced.

City officials targeted include Mayor Karina Macias, Councilmember Eduardo “Eddie” Martinez, and former council members Graciela Ortiz and Marilyn Sanabria, among others. Investigators also served warrants to City Manager Ricardo Reyes and the city’s Public Works Department. The search follows a two-year investigation into alleged misconduct in the handling of over $20 million intended for the construction of a regional aquatic center at Salt Lake Park.

According to a statement from the district attorney’s office, investigators seized various electronic devices and documents during the operation. The investigation reportedly traces back to November 2022, focusing on misappropriation of funds, bribery, and potential conflicts of interest.

“My office is committed to ensuring that public officials uphold the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and transparency,” District Attorney Nathan Hochman said in a statement. “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.”

The aquatic center project, which has yet to break ground, has resulted in expenditures nearing $14 million. “Residents have only received an empty lot and nothing to show for those millions of dollars,” Vice Mayor Arturo Flores stated.

The investigation also centers on Efren Martinez, a consultant who previously ran for state Assembly. Search warrants were executed at his residence and office of Unified Consulting Services. “For a number of years, employees have been reporting concerns about corruption and unlawful activities of the city,” said attorney Oshea Orchid, who represents city employees.

Officials from JT Construction Group Inc., the company selected to build the aquatic center, also came under scrutiny, with searches conducted at the homes of co-owners Edvin Tsaturyan and Sona Vardikyan. A city employee reportedly noted that of the nearly $9 million paid to the contractor, only about $3 million has been accounted for.

As the investigation continues, city officials have pledged their cooperation with the district attorney’s office. “The city is committed to cooperating fully with the District Attorney’s office throughout this process and remains dedicated to resolving the matter promptly and transparently,” a spokesperson stated.

Hochman commended the dedication of the prosecutors and investigators involved, reinforcing that accountability applies to all city officials. “No one — regardless of their position or title — is above the law,” he emphasized.