The possibility of embezzlement by a former sergeant from the
Hollister Police Officers Association is serious, but pales next to
the possible prospect of organized tampering to increase the city
police union’s existing super-generous retirement system – perhaps
with a wink and a nod from the city.
The possibility of embezzlement by a former sergeant from the Hollister Police Officers Association is serious, but pales next to the possible prospect of organized tampering to increase the city police union’s existing super-generous retirement system – perhaps with a wink and a nod from the city.
That is the implication of reported assertions by former Hollister Police Officers Association President and retired Sgt. Ray Wood. Hollister Officer Bo Leland reported in a statement to an outside investigator that Wood told him how “six or seven individuals did some things” relating to the officers association’s effort to obtain enhanced retirement benefits from the city and that the records would “expose” those individuals. He said it was legal. But nonetheless, he reportedly begged Sgt. George Ramirez, “Don’t look into it, because it’s going to be embarrassing for the POA and for the city,” according to the search warrant records obtained by the Free Lance in an investigation of Wood for suspected embezzlement.
It remains unknown at the outset of the case how true that statement might be, how legal the suspected practice might be, or the exact meaning of the reference to the city.
Until a thorough investigation is completed, we do not know if District Attorney Candice Hooper will charge Wood with any crime or if his reported statements have any validity. There is always the possibility that Wood was merely establishing a reason to forestall an audit, but until truth is established, it is a serious accusation. The district attorney’s Public Integrity Unit should investigate these claims.
If the union or the city has stacked the deck, the potential loss of public trust will be more damaging than the police union’s apparent loss of money.
