Complaint Filed With FPPC Seeks to Reopen Detrick's Illegal Campaign Fund Controversy

April 30, 2014 | A complaint filed with the California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) is requesting that agency to reope...


April 30, 2014 |

A complaint filed with the California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) is requesting that agency to reopen its investigation into Elk Grove City Council Member Steve Detrick's illegal use of his campaign funds.

The anonymously filed complaint, released yesterday by the FPPC, seeks to have their Case No. 14/130  reopened after it was revealed last week that Detrick did not reimburse his campaign committee as he said he did in his settlement agreement. The FPPC found Detrick illegally used $93,484 of his campaign funds to pay for legal services for his son Brian Detrick. 

Additionally, the complaint also asks for an investigation into an additional $4,700 payment made by Detrick's campaign committee to the Sacramento-based law firm, Boutin Jones. That firm had represented Brian Detrick in his civil proceeding and was the recipient of the $93,484.    

In the filing, the complainant also questions why the FPPC did not ask for documentation from Detrick at the time of the October, 2014 stipulation agreement. In that agreement, Detrick stated that he had personally reimbursed his campaign committee. 

The attachment to Detrick's stipulation agreement states: "In acknowledgement of his mistake, Respondent personally reimbursed his Committee for all payments made by the Committee to Boutin Jones, Inc., related to Brain Detrick's [then] pending litigation."    

The complaint asks "why the FPPC, in its investigation did not ask for proof that he did so before putting it in the stipulation, is something only [former FPPC Chief Enforcement Officer] Mr. Winuk and  [FPPC Senior Counsel] Dave Bainbridge can answer." 

The complaint also questioned the integrity of Detrick's attorney, Steven Churchwell of the Sacramento-based firm of Churchwell White. "Additionally, did his attorney Steven Churchwell know that Mr. Detrick had not done so; therefore suborning perjury?"  

According to FPPC spokesperson Jay Wierenga, the complaint in under review and it is expected that a decision whether to pursue the matter will be "a few days to a few weeks."

Interestingly, the time stamp on the complaint shows the document was filed at 2:11 p.m on Thursday, April 16, 2016. The FPPC also issued a statement to Elk Grove News and sent a letter to Detrick through Churchwell on the same day stating they would not compel Detrick to repay his committee.  
  

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17 comments

viewfromhear said...

Where is Detrick regarding this matter? He runs off to DC and offers no address on his return. I am an impatient person, I have the internet and social media outlets to thank for that!

Elections are right around the corner, who is going to step up and run against him in 2016? New faces need to be out gaining the confidence of the people now.

Warren Buffett said...

That last paragraph of the article says it all! I smell a rat. Unless the public apathy is shaken, the rates will play while the mice are away.

Anonymous said...

EG Citizen News Flash....

http://www.egcitizen.com/articles/2015/04/29/feature_story/doc554174b922e1c264914797.txt

Anonymous said...

Time for US to have a giggle....

http://www.aol.com/article/2015/04/28/adorable-baby-giggles-uncontrollably-at-dandelion/21177296/?icid=maing-grid7%7Chtmlws-main-bb%7Cdl16%7Csec3_lnk3%26pLid%3D1463363926

viewfromhear said...

"Detrick, who wrote in an email that he was in Mexico with no phone reception and limited email access, wrote that he is unaware of the latest complaint and declined to comment."

Things really started blowing up and coming to light on April 21st (http://www.elkgrovenews.net/2015/04/documents-reveal-fppc-allowed-elk-grove.html) while Detrick was in DC.

Since then, beginning on April 22nd, Detrick has posted 15 times to his facebook page, includes 23 images, an article, a video, his "41 years ago today..." post about joining PG&E.

This does not strike me as someone with "no phone reception and limited email access."

Warren Buffett said...

He just keeps digging a deeper hole for himself. I know one thing, I'm buying Facebook stock because apparently they can broadcast in areas where no phone service or e-mail exist!

Anonymous said...

Perhaps he needs to revamp his web site and pledge to the voters of this city.

http://stevedetrick.com/about/

Anonymous said...

All these PR posts on Facebook. Is this overcompensating for the bad press? Is it, "I so don't care about the FPPC and what I did to deceive them, I am posting what a great time I am having, what a great guy I am," and as usual bragging up a storm!

Humpty Dumpty is about to take a great fall!

RecallDetrick.com said...

"If you don't think I'm doing a good job, then vote me out"

Councilman Steve Detrick, 2014

Set the record straight said...

Didn't Detrick say something in the Citizen about not using his campaign funds to pay for his son's attorney? As well as the "ladies" being wrong, making false accusations and costing the city lots of money? Looks like he didn't tell the truth to the Citizen about his campaign funds and that the "ladies" were right. The FPPC upheld the "ladies" complaints and found Detrick guilty. Well "ladies" don't hold your breath waiting for an apology from Detrick. Looks like he's going to pretend that none of this exists and hope that everyone will be entertained by his Facebook posts of his vacation.

viewfromhear said...

@RecallDetrick.com

Yes, he said this, now who is going to win our votes? I've yet to see someone rise from D3. Yes it's very early to announce an official race, but it's never too early to start marketing ones self.

Anonymous said...

I believe that when he faces this severe Ethics Violation and has to step down, the council will then appoint someone as his replacement.

Anonymous said...

I, for one, support any action that lights a fire under Detrick; puts a spotlight on his lying; and nudges him into retirement. He has been just simply disgraceful. He had such an opportunity to shine; however he let his ego and lack of education get in the way. Sad to see a train wreck in slow motion; but that's what I see. A slow and steady decline..investigation after investigation until he can no longer hold office. Sad he him; for the city; for his family.

Anonymous said...

Wonder if Detrick will be participating in Western Festival activities...I can see him showing up in that stupid cow boy hat, boots and stupid ass grin. I suspect he thinks he fly under the radar at a public, family event. I'd give 100.00 to watch someone stop him as ask what's the timeline for repayment of the loan you stole from your campaign warchest. Usually he shows up at this event; I have seen in many times in the past....Dan, keep an eye out to see if shows....

viewfromhear said...

Anyone see or hear Detrick speak up and own this yet? He is home, he has internet and email again.

Anonymous said...

No see, no speak that I saw at the Western Festival. Did see Hume, Suen & Ly...Mayor & Detrick seemed to be MIA. Most likely working on their different strategy sessions.

Anonymous said...


Detrick fans can forgive. What they do not forgive or forget, is when he refuses to own up to his misunderstanding or mistake.

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