LA Official Takes Leave of Absence During Child Endangerment Probe

The president of one of Los Angeles' most influential boards is taking a leave of absense from her job in the wake of child endangerment allegations involving her daughter.

Andrea Alarcon is taking a leave of absence from her job as president of the Los Angeles Board of Public Works, said her father, City Councilman Richard Alarcon.

"My daughter and granddaughter have a beautiful relationship and I am proud of Andrea's ability to balance single parenting with an intense professional career,"  Richard Alacron said in a statement released Friday.

"Obviously, as a father, I am concerned about the recent reports in the media about my daughter," he said. "As a family, we take these matters very seriously and are supporting Andrea and my granddaughter through this difficult time."

Police are investigating Andrea Alarcon after her 11-year-old daughter was found unattended on Nov. 16 at City Hall while she was at an event, reported the Los Angeles Times.

Sandi Gibbons, a spokeswoman for Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley, confirmed an investigation regarding the 33-year-old Alarcon had been referred to her office but said prosecutors have requested more evidence before determining whether to file charges.

Richard Alarcon said he did not believe that the incidents have affected his daughter's job performance.

"She is recognized as an amazing talent at City Hall," Richard Alarcon said. "But I am pleased that Andrea is seeking the professional help she needs to resolve these matters.

"Andrea has my full support and I am confident that our family will overcome this challenge."

In December, a California Highway Patrol officer arrested Alarcon on suspicion of drunken driving. Prosecutors charged her with DUI as well as cruelty to a child because her child was in the car.

She pleaded not guilty to the charges and is due back in court again next month. Michael Scafiddi, Alarcon's attorney in that case, told The Times he expected some of those charges to be dismissed.

Richard Alarcon and his wife, Flora Montes De Oca Alarcon, are the subject of a perjury and voter fraud investigation for allegedly lying about living in the district he represents.

City News Service contributed to this report.