Top OC Official Faces Possible Firing in Sex-Assault Scandal

Orange County Supervisors are expected to discuss behind closed doors the fate of longtime Orange County CEO Tom Mauk

Orange County Supervisors met behind closed doors Friday to discuss the possible discipline of a longtime County CEO in connection with the arrest Monday of a City Councilman accused of sexually assaulting female employees.

The meeting included a review of Tom Mauk's job performance, anticipated litigation, “public employee discipline, dismissal, release” of the CEO, and “appointment” of an “interim county executive officer,” according to the meeting agenda item.

The meeting was called in response to Monday's arrest of Santa Ana City Councilman Carlos Bustamante, Orange County Board Chairman John Moorlach confirmed to NBC4.

Mauk was hired in 2004 to the CEO post and has held it longer than anyone since the county went bankrupt in 1994, Moorlach said.

“He’s had a long and distinguished career,” said Moorlach. “He’s done a great job.”

He couldn’t comment on the discipline issue, citing the personnel matter.

Mauk’s office supports board policy and provides direction and oversight to county agency and department heads.

Bustamante’s arrest came nine months after he resigned as executive manager of the county Public Works Department amid allegations of sexual misconduct involving co-workers.

The alleged assaults happened between 2003 and last year while Bustamante worked in the Orange County Public Works Department, prosecutors said.

“Unfortunately, I believe our investigation has just scratched the surface,” said Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas in a statement announcing the arrest. “We want to know how a wolf was kept in charge of his prey for so long. How he was able to get away with a perverse abuse of position and power for the last eight years?”

Bustamante is charged with six counts of false imprisonment, three counts of assault with the intent to commit a sexual offense and one count each of stalking, attempted sexual battery by restraint and grand theft by false pretense, according to the Orange County District Attorney's Office.

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The grand theft charge stems from expense reports he submitted after attending a 2 1/2- week program in Boston. He also faces one misdemeanor count each of battery, assault, sexual battery and attempted sexual battery.

The charges include sentence-enhancing allegations of committing the offenses as a result of sexual compulsion and for the purpose of sexual gratification.

A judge Thursday issued protective orders to prevent any contact between the councilman and the alleged victims. He’s free on bail. He’s expected to enter a plea to the charges at his arraignment on July 26.

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