City will commission investigation to look into alleged poor oversight of USOC deal

Developer Ray Marshall is accused of stealing more than $1 million in grant funds that El Pomar Foundation gave the city as part of an incentives package to retain the USOC.

And the District Attorney’s Office says the city allowed it to happen by failing to provide proper oversight of El Pomar’s money.

“This lack of City supervision allowed Mr. Marshall unobstructed access to the funds,” according to a Feb. 3 arrest warrant detailing the accusations against Marshall.

On Tuesday, The Gazette asked Mayor Steve Bach’s Communications Office what changes, if any, had been made given the lax oversight.

Bach announced Thursday that the City Attorney’s Office will commission an independent investigation to look into the allegations of poor oversight.

“I have requested an immediate investigation, and we will take all appropriate action after the investigation is completed.“ Bach said Friday in an email.