3 Fresno county employees are being investigated for stealing from the estates of the deceased.
It’s believed to have gone on over several years according to District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp -who says the theft was uncovered when her office took over administration of the Public Administrator’s Department in January.
Of the 4 employees who worked there – overseeing the property of the deceased, and conducting inventory of items – only 3 are being investigated.
It started as an Internal affairs and has become a criminal investigation:
“Most importantly we are going to restructure the department and put in safeguards so this behavior if not allowed to continue.” – District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp.
Two of the accused employees resigned — the other remains on leave.
No word from the DA how much property was stolen or how many estates were affected by the theft.
District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp gave out a phone number for more info: 559-600-2115 or she recommended going to the Fresno County Website.
