Search warrants were executed today at the offices of the Fire Safe Council of Nevada County and several residences of FSC staff. The search warrants were served by the U.S. Department of Justice and the District Attorney’s office. No charges or arrests were made today, the search warrants only covered records.
Executive Director Jamie Jones, her partner Chris Wackerly, FSC board president Pete Williams and Analyst Duane Strawser were outside the premises as law enforcement carried out the search warrant. Jones said the search warrants also covered her home and all electronic devices, “we fully cooperated with the search warrants.”
The FSC has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing after a second Grand Jury report questioning their handling of grant funding and blamed their current financial situation on being declared a high risk vendor by Nevada County. Nevertheless, the FSC reported receiving several grants by CAL OES and FEMA recently.
In April, the FSC suspended all operations and furloughed the staff. The FSC’s Field Operations crews were laid off again in early fall. According to Jamie Jones a lack of funding prompted her and the board to shift them to on-call only. A memo sent to YubaNet by a former member of the field team painted a different picture, with the crews being informed they were laid off, effective immediately. The Field Operations Manager, Chris Wackerly, remains on staff.
The FSC Board of Directors is slated to meet for a regular board meeting tomorrow at 10:00 am at the FSC offices.
Statement by District Attorney Wilson
DA Wilson released the following investigative update just now:
The Nevada County District Attorney’s Office, in conjunction with the Nevada County Sheriff’s Department, Grass Valley Police Department and the Department of Justice, has executed search warrants at various locations where the Nevada County Fire Safe Council operates. These warrants were issued as part of an ongoing investigation into potential violations of criminal law related to the misallocation of public funds, specifically potential violations of Penal Codes 424 (Embezzlement of Public Funds) and 503 (Embezzlement).
At this time, no arrests have been made, and no charges have been filed. While allegations have been brought forward regarding the misuse of public monies related to the Fire Safe Council and individuals within the organization, it is important to stress that these remain only allegations. The execution of search warrants is a procedural step to gather necessary documents and evidence to determine whether these claims hold merit.
Fire protection and prevention are of utmost importance to our community. Non-profit organizations like the Fire Safe Council play a vital role in safeguarding our residents from the dangers of wildfire. However, the proper use of taxpayer resources is essential, and public services should never come at the expense of the mismanagement of public funds.
This investigation is intended to ensure that public monies are being utilized appropriately and that trust in these important organizations is maintained. The District Attorney’s Office and its partners are committed to a thorough and fair investigation.
We encourage anyone in the community who may have additional information relevant to this investigation to come forward. Please contact the Nevada County District Attorney’s Office at 530-265-1301 and ask to speak with an investigator.
District Attorney Jesse Wilson
Editor’s note: This is a developing story, check back for updates.