CUSD Update: Search Warrants Served on School District

Thomas Russell, spokesperson for the CUSD Recall Committee, confirmed that committee leaders who have been working closely with D.A. investigators for nearly a year were notified that search warrants had been obtained and would be executed. The raid took place Aug. 14.

Russell was present and observed the execution of the search warrants, “This is sad. The CUSD Trustees should have cooperated fully with the district attorney instead of forcing the D.A. to execute search warrants. They obviously have a lot to hide.”

In recent weeks, the school district leadership has been rocked by scandals and allegations of criminal wrongdoing, leading embattled Supt. James Fleming and Trustee Crystal Kochendorfer to “retire” in disgrace.

Russell continued, “Our recall campaign uncovered compelling evidence of corruption at CUSD. As a result, the CUSD Recall Committee called upon the district attorney to commence a full and complete investigation. We believe those CUSD officials who have misled our community and violated the law must be removed from office, held accountable and brought to justice.”

The district attorney’s office first initiated contact with the CUSD Recall Committee nearly a year ago. Russell stated, “The district attorney’s office contacted the CUSD Recall Committee seeking assistance, evidence and information. We have been working closely with and cooperating fully with the investigators.

On March 1, 2006, The CUSD Recall Committee first announced that an Orange County District Attorney investigation into allegations of illegal activities at the Capistrano Unified School District had been commenced. Russell, commented, “The CUSD Recall Committee has been vigilant and discreet in its efforts to assist in the D.A. investigation. We are grateful to have played a pivotal role in exposing the culture of corruption at CUSD.”

The CUSD headquarters where the raid occurred is located at 33122 Valle Road, San Juan Capistrano. To learn more about these important issues, visit the Web site at .www.cusdrecall.com