Former Palm Springs city employees investigated for theft

Two former city employees working for the Palm Springs Fleet Maintenance Division are being investigated for inappropriate vehicle repairs, parts procurement, and theft and recovery of a surplus tractor, with the potential value estimated to be $10,000 to $15,000, officers with the Palm Springs Police Department announced Thursday.

According to the city’s website, the Fleet Maintenance & Operations Division is charged with repairing and maintaining the municipal fleets for the City of Palm Springs. The division provides vehicles and all related services to the municipal fleets.

The names of the former employees at the center of the investigation haven’t been disclosed by the city at this time.

The Director of Maintenance and Facilities discovered the issue and immediate action was taken with the Police Department to begin an investigation, which includes the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, city officials said in the release.

“The Palm Springs Police Department is investigating this issue thoroughly,” said Police Chief Bryan Reyes. “We are working closely with the District Attorney as we conduct the investigation and we hope to conclude in late-July.”

City Manager David Ready has engaged a professional fleet management consulting firm to conduct a thorough review and ensure all safeguards continue to protect public resources in that division, according to the news release.

City Manager, David H. Ready said, “As public servants, we must vigilantly safeguard public resources; it is deeply disappointing to learn when employees are found to disregard that public trust. In this case, we are pleased that our internal “checks and balances” worked to uncover the discrepancy. Also, we continue to encourage employees to come forward with any information of wrongdoing.”

Ready added, “I want our residents to know the actions of a few employees does not reflect the diligent and ethical work done every day by our dedicated staff in the duty of public service.”

KESQ and CBS Local 2 will continue to provide updates as we learn more about the former employees involved in the investigation, and we’ll detail the possible charges they’re facing.