The District Attorney’s Office is calling the investigation “operation dirty pond,” a search warrant that revolves around bribery, conflict of interest, money laundering and a failed $24 million aquatics center that remains a dirt plot. Mekahlo Medina reports for the NBC4 News at 6 p.m. on Feb. 26, 2025.
Authorities with the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office served search warrants Wednesday morning at Huntington Park City Hall and other locations in an investigation involving misuse of public funds intended for aquatic center construction.
City Hall was one of 11 locations, including the homes of Mayor Karina Macias, council members Eddie Martinez and Marilyn Sanabria, and city manager Ricardo Reyes, served with warrants in the corruption probe dubbed Operation Dirty Pond, according to the DA's office.
The warrants involve misuse of public funds for the city’s regional aquatic center at Salt lake Park, a $24 million project in the works since at least 2019, prosecutors said. The investigation began in November 2022.
Items seized at the locations include public records maintained by the City of Huntington Park, financial paperwork, computers, tablets, cell phones and electronic equipment.
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"My office is committed to ensuring that public officials uphold the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and transparency,” District Attorney Nathan Hochman said. “When concerns arise about the use of public funds or the actions of those in office, it is our duty to investigate thoroughly and protect the public’s trust.
“I want to commend our dedicated prosecutors and investigators for their diligent work on this complex case. Their unwavering commitment to justice ensures that no one — regardless of their position or title — is above the law.”
Yellow caution tape was placed at the entrance to city hall and other locations on the property.
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In a statement, the city said members of the LA County DA's office have met with current and former city officials.
"The City of Huntington Park acknowledges that the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office has made visits to current and former city officials," the city said in a statement. "The city is committed to cooperating fully with the District Attorney’s office throughout this process and remains dedicated to resolving the matter promptly and transparently."
The city did not provide more details. NBCLA has reached out the the county prosecutor's office for more details.
No arrests were reported in connection with the investigation.
The southern Los Angeles County community about 5 miles south of downtown LA has a population of about 51,000.
