Public Corruption Investigation Targets Huntington Park Officials in “Operation Dirty Pond”
HUNTINGTON PARK, CA — District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced that members of his Bureau of Investigation executed search warrants at 11 locations related to an ongoing public corruption investigation, “Operation Dirty Pond.” The probe, which began in November 2022, is focused on the potential misuse of millions of dollars in public funds meant for building an aquatic center at Salt Lake Park in Huntington Park.
"My office is dedicated to ensuring that public officials maintain the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and transparency," District Attorney Hochman said. "When there are concerns about how public funds are being used or about the conduct of officials, we have a responsibility to investigate thoroughly and protect the public’s trust."
Hochman praised the hard work of the prosecutors and investigators on the case, emphasizing that no one—regardless of position—should be above the law.
Today, the Bureau of Investigation searched the following locations:
Huntington Park City Hall, 6550 Miles Ave., Huntington Park, CA
Huntington Park Public Works (City Yard), 6900 Bissell St., Huntington Park, CA
Salt Lake Park (the proposed site for the aquatic center), 3401 E. Florence Ave., Huntington Park, CA
Residence of Edvin Tsaturyan and Sona Vardikyan (owners of JT Construction Group, Inc.), Glendale, CA
Residence of Efren Martinez (former Huntington Park City Official), Los Angeles, CA
Unified Consulting Services, LLC, Huntington Park, CA
Residence of Ricardo Reyes (current Huntington Park City Manager), Downey, CA
Residence of Graciela Ortiz (former Huntington Park City Councilmember), Huntington Park, CA
Residence of Marilyn Sanabria (former Huntington Park City Councilmember), Huntington Park, CA
Residence of Karina Macias (current Huntington Park Mayor and City Councilmember), Huntington Park, CA
Residence of Eddie Martinez (current Huntington Park City Councilmember), Huntington Park, CA
Items seized during the searches included public records, financial paperwork, computers, tablets, cell phones, and various forms of electronic equipment.
Anyone with information related to the Salt Lake Park aquatic center in Huntington Park is encouraged to contact Sgt. Robert L. Jackson of the District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigation at 213-257-2511.
The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Investigation and reviewed by the District Attorney’s Office Public Integrity Division.
