The gray area between Stockton law and politics seemed to expand last week when San Joaquin County’s district attorney said fraud was uncovered in his office and a suspect had fingered “the prior administration.”

DA Ron Freitas said an audit of the 2024 Auto Insurance Fraud Grant Program found that an investigator allegedly padded his time sheets to secure more grant money. Before being placed on paid administrative leave, the investigator supposedly blamed a higher-up.

“When confronted … the investigator in question provided information showing that the alleged fraud had been committed at the urging of leadership in the prior administration of the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office,” the DA’s statement said.

All eyes immediately turned to Tori Verber Salazar, DA from 2015 to 2022, when she was defeated by Freitas.

“They said ‘leadership,’ but every news outlet called me,” Verber Salazar said. 

Verber Salazar objected, and I agree, that blackening her name like this before charges are filed — and when she may not even be the unnamed culprit — is unfair. I invited the DA’s Office to specify the person of interest, or at least to clear Verber Salazar’s name if it is not her.

“We understand the speculation,” the DA’s Office replied, “but we cannot comment further as this is an ongoing investigation. The Office’s focus remains on ensuring transparency.”

The bigger picture involves the advancing corruption of Stockton and San Joaquin County institutions. Forgive me if you’ve read this before, but first-time readers must be kept in mind.

The toxic stew first boiled over in Stockton Unified School District circa 2020-22, where slippery leaders ignored the rules and millions of dollars were missing or misspent.

A state audit found “probable fraud.”

The corruption triggered an FBI investigation — and hey, folks, do you think you might like to wrap it up or at least bring a few charges? The same alleged grifters who plundered Stockton Unified are infesting Stockton City Hall. What are you waiting for? For them to strip the building of copper wire?

All the time these checkered Stockton Unified characters were undermining rules that protect public money, the 209 Times, a Facebook page that disguises character assassination for hire as a news site, covered for them and attacked the trustees’ one reformer, AngelAnn Flores.

A year ago, DA Freitas trumpeted an investigation into Stockton Unified, vowing to police “any and all wrongdoing … Every corner will be turned, every ‘I’ will be dotted, and every ‘T’ will be crossed.”

But so far, the only ‘I’ dotted is AngelAnn Flores. On April 19, she was arrested for alleged felony embezzlement and other charges. Her trial is pending.

Her lawyer: Tori Verber Salazar.

This may be honest law enforcement. If it is, Freitas needs an optics advisor. Going after a whistleblower and implicating her attorney, and no one else, creates the appearance of of payback.

Verber Salazar says she believes county law enforcement is caught up in transactional politics which helped both Sheriff Pat Withrow and DA Freitas get elected. Blackening her reputation and silencing the outspoken Flores is part of the transaction, she claims.

“He’s using his power for retaliation,” Verber Salazar said. “Whoever the 209 Times tells him to go after, he goes after. Because he’s afraid they’ll crush him.”

Not at all, Freitas’ office said. “He is committed to justice to the extent that he would hold even his closest family members accountable under the law.”

Skepticism arises not only because of–in the case of Flores–who’s been charged, and who’s not been not charged, but because, in the case of “the prior administration,” the alleged fraud scheme seems as dumb as trying to rob a bank full of cops.   

Attorney Tori Verber Salazar and her client former Stockton Unified School District (SUSD) Trustee AngelAnn Flores after Flores arraignment in Stockton, Calif., on May 6, 2024. Flores is suspected of misusing a SUSD credit card. Salazar is the former San Joaquin County District Attorney. (Victoria Franco/Bay City News)

“Why would I risk my life, my career, my bar card for a grant?” Verber Salazar asked. “We had plenty of money. I was very fiscally responsible. We spent smart. We weren’t desperate for money.”

All the investigator had to say to her was, “I’m going to report you,” Verber Salazar said.

Furthermore, “The investigator answered to his sergeant, a lieutenant, a deputy chief, and chief of the investigations division. And nobody noticed this exaggerated overtime?”

In fact, wasn’t Freitas an administrator then, as well? 

No, his office said. “Upon further investigation, it has been determined that the alleged fraud began in June of 2018. It is important to note that District Attorney Ron Freitas was demoted from his position as Chief of Special Operations on May 24, 2018, prior to the commencement of these activities.”

Many investigative agencies, the FBI for instance, refuse to even confirm investigations, let alone release details. They try their cases in court.

“The FBI is an appointed body, while the District Attorney is elected by the people of San Joaquin County,” the DA’s Office responded. “Residents deserve honesty and transparency.”

“In my administration we never released an investigation for two reasons,” Verber Salazar countered. “The investigation might exonerate an individual. … The other thing is you’re tipping your hand, and people are going to get rid of evidence.”

Freitas not only issued a press release, he alerted other law enforcement agencies, auditors, the San Joaquin County Administrator, and the county Board of Supervisors. Necessary diligence or playing politics? 

It’s sunshine, Freitas’ office said: “The notifications were sent to further foster transparency from this administration.”

The problem jaundicing the perception of law and politics in San Joaquin County is that certain leaders ally with unscrupulous political operatives. Some even pay them for political support and unprincipled attacks on their rivals. A lawman may be honest, but those with shady associates are unrealistic to expect blind trust. 

Perhaps there are people who can lay down with dogs and get up without fleas. But that’s not how it usually works.

“For raising my voice about the corruption, they’re going to go after my bar card, my home, my freedom,” Verber Salazar said.

Freitas: “The District Attorney’s Office ensures that every case in San Joaquin County is treated with fairness and impartiality, reflecting our dedication to upholding the founding principles of justice for all.”

Michael Fitzgerald’s column runs on Wednesdays. On Twitter and Instagram as Stocktonopolis. Email:mfitzgeraldstockton@gmail.com

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6 replies on “Did one D.A. just accuse another?”

  1. As usual in the background is the 209 Times and their influence on Stockton public officials. I personally would welcome an outside investigation to see if 209 Times were/are involved in illegal activities.

  2. The DA’s claim his office cannot comment on an “ongoing investigation” calls into question why Trustee Flores was arrested in the first place, and why he had her arrested in such a public fashion. He knew it would raise public concern — just as he knew 209 Times would declare her guilt. After all, who needs a court of law when you have a social media outlet at your disposal?

    I also find it telling that DA Frietas’ claim fraud was committed under the leadership of this predecessor, a current attorney of Trustee Flores was first made public on 209 Times.

  4. There needs to be a State Attorney investigation as when and by whom 209 Times was alerted of District Attorney Freitas’ decision. After seeing the very lengthy post by 209 Times opperative Frank Gayaldo, I checked all news agency. Neither ABC 10, or any other news agency carried the story. It was first reported approximately 48 hours after the 209 Times hit piece surfaced. It appears that there is a direct pipeline between DA Freitas and 209 Times.

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