Pasadena residents labeled their city "a joke" over the $6.4 million that was allegedly embezelled by a public works manager over the space of 11 years.
They were vented their fury at a Monday city council meeting that suspect Danny Ray Wooten and two city employees were able to get away with their alleged criminal behavior for so long. Some even suggested that it is highly improbable that the trio were the only people who knew about the scam.
"Are you kidding me? After 11 years you didn't put this in place? Pasadena to me is a joke," one angry local told the chamber.
And fellow resident Bryan Weiss voiced his skepticism that those currently being held were the only ones involved.
"It seems to me to be a modern day miracle! Something happened! 6.4 million dollars disappeared. But nobody seems to be responsible. Except for the people that are in jail," Weiss said
Another attendee seemed keen on the idea of some officials being held to account over what happened.
"The admissions that were made tonight would result in termination of employees. Heads would roll," he said.
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However Pasadena vice mayor Jacque Robinson suggested it was the blame lies with the systems in place rather than individuals..
"The embezzlement of public funds was carried out by an individual whose aim was to find weakness or breach in the procurement review process. And clearly he did."
City manager Michael Beck also defended his handling of the matter in the face of demands he should be fired. He said the city discovered the theft last May, and had reasons for keeping quiet.
"The timing associated with this case has been to protect the integrity of the criminal investigation undertaken by the District Attorney so they have the best opportunity for a successful prosecution," Beck said.
An investigation by the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office led to the arrest of public works manager Wooten and two city employees, 55-year-old Tyrone Collins and 46-year-old Melody Jenkins.
They were taken into custody last Tuesday and charged with committing 60 counts of embezzlement and other alleged violations.
