Report I2019-3 Recommendation 14 Responses
Report I2019-3: Investigations of Improper Activities by State Agencies and Employees: Wasteful and Improper Travel Payments, Improper Promotion and Hiring Practices, and Misuse of State Resources (Release Date: May 2019)
Case Number I2017-0474
Recommendation #14 To: Fish and Wildlife, Department of
Fish and Wildlife should void any improper appointments and collect compensation received as a result of the improper appointment as allowed by state law.
Agency Response From January 2020
In January 2020, Fish and Wildlife reported that it issued to the branch chief an accounts receivable notification totaling $55,517, with collection set to begin in February 2020.
California State Auditor's Assessment of Status: Fully Implemented
Agency Response From January 2020
In September 2019, Fish and Wildlife reported that the branch chief had resigned. Information is pending with respect to Fish and Wildlife's efforts to seek reimbursement from the branch chief for the compensation he earned during his unlawful appointment.
California State Auditor's Assessment of Status: Partially Implemented
Agency Response From August 2019
In May 2019, Fish and Wildlife informed us that it had contacted the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) regarding the branch chief's dishonesty and was informed that CalHR had referred the matter to SPB for a final determination. In August 2019, Fish and Wildlife stated that it received SPB's final determination in which SPB directed it to void the branch chief's appointment. Therefore, Fish and Wildlife notified the branch chief of this decision shortly thereafter. The notification stated that the branch chief's appointment will be voided effective September 2019.
In addition, SPB directed Fish and Wildlife to seek reimbursement for the compensation the branch chief received.
California State Auditor's Assessment of Status: Partially Implemented
Agency Response From April 2019
Fish and Wildlife stated that it is conducting an internal investigation into the first branch chief's dishonesty. Upon conclusion of its investigation, Fish and Wildlife stated that it will take appropriate administrative, corrective, or disciplinary action.