Federal and local agents served search warrants throughout in Moreno Valley on Tuesday morning, April 30, raiding the homes of all five City Council members, a businessman with close political connections and the corporate offices of warehouse developer Highland Fairview.
Federal and local agents served search warrants on Tuesday, April 30, at the homes of Moreno Valley’s five City Council members, a real estate broker with political connections and the corporate office of Skechers warehouse developer Highland Fairview.
The raids, which began early in the morning, are part of “an ongoing political corruption investigation,” Riverside County District Attorney Chief Investigator Michael Moriarty said. Authorities declined to be more specific.
At least one former city councilman and a Moreno Valley resident have filed or said they would file complaints about relationships between Highland Fairview and its president and CEO Iddo Benzeevi and City Council members, who have defended Benzeevi and the corporation. Those inside city government who challenge Highland Fairview and Benzeevi have been punished, they say.
Some City Council members said they had nothing to hide, while Mayor Tom Owings urged Moreno Valley residents to be patient.
Michele Patterson, assistant to City Manager Henry Garcia, said no investigating agencies had contacted City Hall or city offices.
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