LOS ANGELES
Two former California Department of Justice supervisors were charged Friday with diverting about $12,500 in government funds to one of their companies, according to state authorities.
“We expect law enforcement agents to not only protect our communities but to uphold the law no matter the situation. We are committed to holding anyone accountable when they attempt to take advantage of the public’s trust,” District Attorney George Gascón said. “Eliminating public corruption continues to be a priority for our office.”
“The California Department of Justice’s work is built on the highest standards of ethics and integrity — and the alleged actions of these two defendants violates these standards. Breaking the law to line your own pockets, especially while in a position of power, is unacceptable,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta.
Eric Bunde, 55, and James Biscailuz, 54, were charged with one felony count each of grand theft by embezzlement and grand theft by an employee.
Bunde faces one felony count of conflict of interest, while Biscailuz faces one felony count of perjury.
Between January 2014 and November 2017, Bunde oversaw the Los Angeles Regional Criminal Information Clearinghouse, also known as LA Clear, an organization that assists law enforcement agencies with criminal investigations and is managed by law enforcement executives.
LA Clear, at Bunde’s direction, contracted with Biscailuz’s company for social media services that were eventually subcontracted to a consulting firm owned by Bunde, resulting in a loss of $12,500, according to authorites.
Biscailuz also is accused of filing a disclosure form that omitted the company he owned.
The case remains under investigation by the California Department of Justice.