Meyers Nave Investigates…

On May 6 in About Town: “Investigation”, Steve Mann reported “…law firm Meyers Nave was hired at the request of City Attorney Katie Lucchesi” to investigate matters related to City Manager Scott Carney’s allegations financial misconduct by Lodi City Council and Lodi city employees and whether Carney’s actions during a City Council Meeting warrant discipline. Several people have asked about Meyers Nave’s experience in city government investigations. The research report below provides some answers.

Meyers Nave's Most Significant City Government Investigations and Prosecutions

Meyers Nave has a strong track record in high-stakes municipal investigations, particularly in cases involving public corruption, financial misconduct, and institutional reform. The firm’s work has shaped accountability mechanisms in California local governments, often resulting in landmark prosecutions and systemic changes. Below is an analysis of their most consequential investigations and their outcomes.

1. City of Bell Corruption Scandal: A Benchmark for Municipal Accountability

Background and Meyers Nave’s Role

The City of Bell scandal, one of California’s most infamous cases of municipal corruption, involved the misappropriation of public funds, excessive salaries for officials, and voter fraud. Meyers Nave was retained to oversee litigation and manage over 1,000 Public Records Act requests during the fallout[19]. The firm coordinated defense strategies for the city while ensuring transparency amid intense media scrutiny and federal investigations[13].

Prosecutions and Reforms

The investigation led to the conviction of seven city officials, including City Administrator Robert Rizzo, who was sentenced to 12 years in prison, and Assistant City Administrator Angela Spaccia, who received an 11-year sentence[7]. Meyers Nave’s work also exposed systemic flaws in Bell’s financial oversight, prompting statewide reforms to salary transparency and conflict-of-interest laws[15]. The case remains a touchstone for discussions on ethical governance, with Meyers Nave’s documentation of improper communications and financial records serving as critical evidence[19].

2. Moreno Valley Political Corruption Investigation: Uncovering Influence Peddling

Federal Task Force Collaboration

In 2013, federal and local agents raided the homes of Moreno Valley’s mayor and all four city council members as part of a corruption probe into influence-peddling and bribery[9]. Meyers Nave assisted the city in managing a massive e-discovery process, reviewing over 500,000 pages of documents, including emails and financial records[19]. The investigation focused on allegations that officials colluded with developer Iddo Benzeevi to rezone properties for personal gain[9].

Outcomes: Convictions and Institutional Reckoning

Councilman Marcelo Co was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison after accepting a $2.36 million bribe from an undercover agent[11]. While other officials were not charged, the probe revealed pervasive conflicts of interest, leading to stricter campaign finance regulations in Riverside County. Meyers Nave’s role in organizing public records disclosures helped restore community trust by ensuring transparency during the investigation[12].

3. San Bruno PG&E Gas Pipeline Explosion: Corporate Accountability and Public Safety

Crisis Management and Regulatory Action

Though not a corruption case, Meyers Nave’s investigation into the 2010 PG&E pipeline explosion that killed eight people in San Bruno underscored their capacity to handle complex public safety litigation. As special counsel, the firm uncovered evidence of negligence in pipeline maintenance and regulatory failures by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)[10].

Legal Repercussions and Settlements

Meyers Nave’s findings contributed to a record $1.6 billion fine against PG&E and a $126 million settlement for the City of San Bruno[18]. The case also led to criminal convictions of PG&E executives and CPUC officials for obstructing investigations[10]. These outcomes catalyzed reforms in utility oversight, including the creation of stricter pipeline safety standards and enhanced CPUC transparency measures[10].

4. Workplace Investigations: High-Profile Municipal Misconduct Cases

Notable Inquiries and Outcomes

Meyers Nave has conducted over 300 workplace investigations, many involving public officials:

• Transit Agency CFO Misconduct: Uncovered financial mismanagement and conflicts of interest by a CFO, leading to criminal charges and asset forfeiture[5].

• Elected Assessor-Recorder Sexual Harassment: Investigation into harassment claims against an elected official resulted in resignation and civil penalties[5].

• Police Department Abuse Allegations: A 60-day probe into bullying by a police chief led to departmental restructuring and disciplinary actions[13].

These cases demonstrate Meyers Nave’s ability to navigate sensitive personnel matters while ensuring accountability. Their reports often serve as foundational evidence in subsequent prosecutions or administrative reforms[1].

5. Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Scandal: Combining Public Records and Ethics Law

Litigation and Transparency Efforts

Meyers Nave defended the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Commission against allegations of Brown Act and Public Records Act violations during negotiations with the University of Southern California (USC)[19]. The firm successfully argued that the Commission’s handling of a $70 million lease agreement complied with transparency laws, despite claims of backroom dealings[19].

Impact on Public Contracting

While no prosecutions arose directly from this case, the investigation reinforced the importance of open-meeting laws in large-scale public contracts. Meyers Nave’s defense set precedents for balancing commercial confidentiality with public accountability[19].

Conclusion: A Legacy of Institutional Reform

Meyers Nave’s investigations have balanced legal rigor and public interest, leading to convictions of high-ranking officials, corporate accountability, and systemic reforms. Their work in Bell and Moreno Valley redefined municipal governance standards, while the San Bruno case underscored their versatility in crisis management. By prioritizing transparency and ethical compliance, the firm has championed public integrity efforts in California, ensuring that legal outcomes translate into institutional change[13][19].

Sources

[1] Workplace Investigations | Legal Services Throughout California https://www.meyersnave.com/practices/workplace-investigations/

[2] Municipal and Special District Law - Meyers | Nave https://www.meyersnave.com/practices/municipal-and-special-districts/

[3] [PDF] TRIAL & LITIGATION - Meyers | Nave https://www.meyersnave.com/wp-content/uploads/Trial-and-Litigation.pdf

[4] Meyers Nave Secures Appellate Victory for City of San Diego in ... https://www.meyersnave.com/meyers-nave-secures-appellate-victory-for-city-of-san-diego-in-utility-relocation-dispute/

[5] [PDF] LABOR & EMPLOYMENT LAW: REPRESENATIVE MATTERS https://www.meyersnave.com/wp-content/uploads/Meyers-Nave-Labor-Employment_Facebook_Representative-Matters.pdf

[6] City of Bell sues its former bond counsel, says law firm didn't sound ... https://www.abajournal.com/news/article/city_of_bell_sues_its_former_bond_counsel_says_law_firm_didnt_sound_alarm

[7] City of Bell scandal - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_of_Bell_scandal

[8] Nave v. Bell, U. S. Marshal, 180 F.2d 198 (6th Cir. 1950) - Justia Law https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/F2/180/198/388969/

[9] Agents Raid Homes Of Moreno Valley Mayor, Council Members In ... https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/federal-local-agents-raid-homes-of-moreno-valley-mayor-council-members-in-political-corruption-investigation/

[10] CALIFORNIA PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION SPECIALTY ... https://meyersnave.com/wp-content/uploads/CPUC-Specialty-Practice-Group_Meyers-Nave.pdf

[11] Former Moreno Valley city councilman sentenced in bribery case https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-former-moreno-valley-councilman-sentenced-20150601-story.html

[12] [PDF] CALIFORNIA PUBLIC RECORDS ACT - Meyers | Nave https://www.meyersnave.com/wp-content/uploads/California-Public-Records-Act_rosequist.pdf

[13] [PDF] Workplace-Investigations.pdf - Meyers | Nave https://www.meyersnave.com/wp-content/uploads/Workplace-Investigations.pdf

[14] City of Bell Hires Interim Attorney - Daily Journal https://www.dailyjournal.com/article/327650-city-of-bell-hires-interim-attorney

[15] City of Bell Scandal Revisited | Local Government Reconsidered https://digitalcommons.chapman.edu/localgovernmentreconsidered/bellscandal/

[16] Lane v. Bell - California Courts of Appeal Decisions - Justia Law https://law.justia.com/cases/california/court-of-appeal/2018/d071312.html

[17] Authorities seize computers, files as part of corruption probe ... - LAist https://laist.com/news/kpcc-archive/authorities-seize-computers-files-as-part-of-corru

[18] Who is Meyers Nave? - Lodi 411 https://lodi411.com/lodi-eye/who-is-mayers-nave

[19] [PDF] CALIFORNIA PUBLIC RECORDS ACT - Meyers | Nave https://www.meyersnave.com/wp-content/uploads/California-Public-Records-Act.pdf

[20] Labor and Employment | Legal Services Throughout California https://www.meyersnave.com/practices/labor-and-employment/

[21] Compliance Auditing/Internal Investigation - Meyers | Nave https://www.meyersnave.com/practices/compliance-auditing-internal-investigation/

[22] Workplace Investigations: Fundamentals, New Case Law and ... https://www.meyersnave.com/event/workplace-investigations-fundamentals-new-case-law-emerging-issues/

[23] City of Bell Press Release - Meyers | Nave https://www.meyersnave.com/city-of-bell-press-release/

[24] Crisis Management | Legal Services Throughout California https://www.meyersnave.com/practices/crisis-management/

[25] Former Member Of Moreno Valley City Council Sentenced To Five ... https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca/pr/former-member-moreno-valley-city-council-sentenced-five-years-federal-prison-taking-23

[26] Deborah Fox | First Amendment and Trial & Litigation - Meyers | Nave https://www.meyersnave.com/attorney/deborah-fox/

[27] Former Member of Moreno Valley City Council Agrees to Plead ... - FBI https://www.fbi.gov/losangeles/press-releases/2013/former-member-of-moreno-valley-city-council-agrees-to-plead-guilty-to-federal-bribery-charge-for-taking-2.3-million-cash-payment

[28] Eastern District of California - Department of Justice https://www.justice.gov/usao-edca/pr/eastern-district-california-completes-prosecution-20-defendants-dmv-corruption-cases

[29] Meyers Nave | Legal Services Throughout California https://www.meyersnave.com

[30] [PDF] Margaret Rosequist - Meyers | Nave https://www.meyersnave.com/wp-content/uploads/MargaretRosequist.pdf

[31] Home | Riverside County District Attorney https://rivcoda.org

[32] Moreno Valley: City Attorney https://moval.gov/departments/city-attorney.html

[33] Locations - Riverside County District Attorney's Office https://rivcoda.org/office/office-locations

[34] Moreno Valley Mayor Returns to Court in Corruption Investigation https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/politics/moreno-valley-mayor-describes-relationship-with-developer_los-angeles/2061050/

[35] Meg Rosequist | First Amendment and Trial & Litigation https://www.meyersnave.com/attorney/margaret-rosequist/

[36] AB 98 Enacts Statewide Standards for Logistics Use Warehouses https://www.meyersnave.com/ab-98-enacts-statewide-standards-for-logistics-use-warehouses/

[37] City of San Jose v. Operating Engineers :: 2010 - Justia Law https://www.meyersnave.com/wp-content/uploads/publications/San-Jose-v-Operating-Engineers-Union.pdf

[38] [PDF] Crisis Management and Restoring Public Trust after Bell - Cal Cities https://www.cacities.org/getattachment/6202b6ac-a488-4df1-9653-65a16bb3b2ae/5-2011-Spring-James-Casso-Jayne-Williams-Crisis-Ma.aspx

[39] [PDF] CORRUPTION ON STEROIDS1 The Bell Scandal From The Legal ... https://www.chapman.edu/wilkinson/_files/pdf%20white%20papers/david-j-aleshire.pdf

[40] State Bar action is overdue in city attorney corruption scandal https://www.dailyjournal.com/article/379087-state-bar-action-is-overdue-in-city-attorney-corruption-scandal

[41] Huge Bell salaries based on 'secret formula,' prosecutor tells jury https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-spaccia-trial-opens-20131023-story.html

[42] Trial and Litigation | Legal Services Throughout California https://www.meyersnave.com/practices/trial-and-litigation/

[43] Former city attorney files legal claim against Milpitas alleging he was ... https://www.cpmlegal.com/news-Former-city-attorney-files-legal-claim-against-Milpitas-alleging-he-was-fired-out-of-retaliation

[44] [PDF] Crisis Management | Meyers Nave https://www.meyersnave.com/wp-content/uploads/Crisis-Management.pdf

[45] [PDF] agreement with meyers nave - Orange County http://cams.ocgov.com/Web_Publisher_sam/Agenda01_24_2023_files/images/O01122-001202A.PDF

[46] Michael Avenatti - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Avenatti

[47] Meyers Nave Litigators Help Clients Win Their High-Stakes Cases https://www.meyersnave.com/meyers-nave-litigators-achieve-record-results-years-highest-profile-cases/

[48] Maryland Attorneys FY12 Sanctions and Actions Affecting Licensure http://www.courts.state.md.us/attygrievance/sanctions12

[49] Federal Court Issues Historic Order Ending Race-Based Policing by ... https://www.disabilityrightsca.org/press-release/federal-court-issues-historic-order-ending-race-based-policing-by-school-district

[50] [PDF] CASE NO. S260209 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF ... https://supreme.courts.ca.gov/sites/default/files/supremecourt/default/documents/4-s260209-apps-opening-brief-merits-050420.pdf

[51] Court Dismisses Moreno Valley Mayor's Restraining Order Against ... https://www.sandiego.edu/news/detail.php?_focus=93926

[52] Past Moreno Valley council was corrupt - mayor | abc7chicago.com https://abc7chicago.com/archive/9095140/

[53] Moreno Valley Mayor Pro Tem resigns after being arrested - KESQ https://kesq.com/news/2013/08/13/moreno-valley-mayor-pro-tem-resigns-after-being-arrested/

[54] Meyers Nave and Sohagi Law Group Combine - Los Angeles Times https://www.latimes.com/b2b/law-legal/story/2025-01-22/meyers-nave-sohagi-law-group-combine

[55] Former Moreno Valley councilman pleads guilty to taking bribe https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-moreno-valley-councilman-pleads-guilty-bribe-20140114-story.html

[56] Ex-Moreno Valley Councilman to Plead Guilty in $2.3M Bribery Case https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/moreno-valley-corruption-bribery-councilman-irs/1935940/

[57] [PDF] Deborah J. Fox - Meyers | Nave https://www.meyersnave.com/wp-content/uploads/Deborah-Fox-Main-Bio.pdf

[58] Vineyard Citizens v. Rancho Cordova - Justia Law https://www.meyersnave.com/wp-content/uploads/publications/Vineyard-Area-Citizens-v-Rancho-Cordova.pdf