DWP Worker Allegedly Embezzles $4 Million from Taxpayers

A former audio-visual technician for the Department of Water and Power will be arraigned next week on more than two dozen felony counts for allegedly misappropriating more than $4 million in public funds.

Thatcus Carl Richard, 64, of Moreno Valley, was arrested Wednesday and is charged with multiple counts of conflict of interest, public officer crime and embezzlement by a public officer.

Between July 1996 and March 2014, Richard -- who was in charge of managing video and audio jobs for the utility -- allegedly enlisted friends to establish audio-visual companies and then helped award DWP contracts to them, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

In return, the companies would allegedly subcontract the work to a company owned by the defendant called Top Line Communications.

Richard is also accused of using DWP equipment and resources for his personal gain, according to prosecutors.

Agents from the District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation arrested Richard Wednesday in San Bernardino County.

Prosecutors have recommended that bail be set at $1.2 million.

If convicted of all charges, Richard faces up to 20 years in state prison, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

City News Service