“We discovered that a former employee may have been inappropriately taking money from the public,” said Palmdale’s Assistant City Attorney Noel Doran. “We then conducted a thorough investigation and turned over our findings to the District Attorney’s public integrity unit for investigation and possible prosecution.”
“These kinds of actions are not tolerated nor condoned at the City of Palmdale,” said Doran. “While we are deeply regretful that this happened, we are pleased that justice is being served.”
“Under no circumstances do city of Palmdale employees collect monetary payments out in the field,” said Palmdale’s Supervising Building Inspector Dennis Dininger. “All monies collected for permits, parking tickets, events or classes are either handled in person at a city facility or on our Web site.”
“The city of Palmdale is committed to providing our residents with the highest level of service possible,” added Public Works Director Mike Mischel. “We’re asking anyone who witnesses something that appears to be out of the ordinary or inappropriate, to please contact us so we may look into the matter.”
“Both the city council and my office take possible abuse of office, deception of the public and theft very seriously,” said Palmdale City Attorney Matthew Ditzhazy.
“We have a duty to protect the public and were hopeful that the District Attorney's Office would, upon completion of its investigation and confirming what the city found, follow through and prosecute any wrongdoers. The city will cooperate in any way it can with the District Attorney's Office in the prosecution,” Ditzhazy added.
