ETHICS COMMISSION IMPOSES FINE OF $7,500 FOR GOVERNMENTAL ETHICS VIOLATIONS

At its meeting today, the Los Angeles City Ethics Commission imposed an administrative penalty of $7,500 against Lorena Saucillo (Saucillo), a former City employee, for misusing and disclosing confidential information.

The Governmental Ethics Ordinance (GEO) prohibits City employees from misusing or disclosing confidential information acquired through their City service.  Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC) § 49.5.3. Saucillo admitted to violating the GEO by disclosing confidential credit card information obtained through her work as an administrative clerk for the Los Angeles Housing + Community Investment Department.

On two occasions, Saucillo recorded credit card information provided by landlords who were paying City fees. Using her City email address, Saucillo sent the credit card information to a personal email account accessible to her husband, whom she knew was intending to use the information for fraudulent purposes. Saucillo has since resigned from the City.

“This kind of egregious behavior erodes the public’s trust in City processes,” said Melinda Murray, the President of the Ethics Commission. “Today’s decision demonstrates that the Ethics Commission is committed to upholding the laws that protect the public and help to foster public confidence.”

All penalties levied by the Ethics Commission are paid to the City’s general fund. Enforcement orders can be viewed and searched through the Ethics Commission’s Public Data Portal.