Former L.A. City Official Faces Charges in DWP Scandal: A Deep Dive

The State Bar of California has filed disciplinary charges against William Funderburk, a former vice president of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (DWP) Board of Commissioners. The charges are linked to an alleged quid pro quo deal involving a $30-million city contract and free legal services.

Key Takeaways

  • Charges Filed: William Funderburk faces five counts, including acts involving moral turpitude, dishonesty, and corruption.
  • Alleged Quid Pro Quo: Funderburk allegedly approved a $30-million contract while receiving free legal services valued at over $30,000.
  • Potential Consequences: If convicted, Funderburk could face disbarment, suspension, or probation.
  • Defense Stance: Funderburk’s attorney claims he did nothing wrong and expects exoneration.

Background

William Funderburk, an environmental attorney well-known in Los Angeles Democratic circles, was appointed to the DWP board in 2013 by then-Mayor Eric Garcetti. He served until 2018. The charges against him are the first by the State Bar in connection with a massive scandal involving the DWP and the city attorney’s office.

The Allegations

State Bar prosecutors allege that in June 2017, Funderburk voted to award a cybersecurity contract to Aventador, a company owned by New York attorney Paul Paradis. Around the same time, Funderburk solicited and received free legal services from Paradis, valued at $31,477.50.

Prosecutors claim that Funderburk lied about accepting these services during a 2020 interview with the U.S. Attorney’s office. He also allegedly solicited a political contribution from Paradis, which is illegal under city ethics laws.

The Defense

Funderburk’s attorney, Jan Handzlik, maintains that Funderburk did nothing wrong. Handzlik argues that the legal services were merely “routine professional courtesies” and that the contract would have been approved regardless of Funderburk’s vote.

The Broader Scandal

Paul Paradis, a central figure in the DWP scandal, pleaded guilty in 2021 to a federal bribery charge related to a sham lawsuit against the city. His plea agreement implicated an unnamed DWP commissioner, later identified as Funderburk.

Potential Outcomes

If convicted, Funderburk could face severe penalties, including disbarment, suspension of his law license, or probation. The State Bar’s Chief Trial Counsel, George Cardona, emphasized that Funderburk had an ethical and legal obligation to avoid conflicts of interest.

Related Cases

In a related case, the State Bar announced a proposed 30-day license suspension for Richard Tom, a city attorney involved in the DWP billing disaster. Tom is accused of making false and misleading statements in court.

Conclusion

The charges against William Funderburk mark a significant development in the ongoing DWP scandal. As the case unfolds, it will be closely watched for its implications on ethics and accountability in public office.

Sources

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