OT: California Prison Academy: Better Than a Harvard Degree

[Coronita]

Heh, why “work”, when you can just embezzle?

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/may/03/two-former-sedc-officials-charged-with/

Former SEDC officials charged with embezzling
The former president and finance director are accused of improper bonuses

SEDC bonuses

SEDC chief authorized extra pay for herself

SEDC plagued by fraud, auditors say

Judge blocks severance pay to ex-SEDC chief

Two former top officials of an agency tasked with revitalizing some of San Diego’s poorest neighborhoods were charged with conspiracy, embezzlement and misappropriation of funds on Tuesday by the Attorney General’s office.

Former President Carolyn Y. Smith, 54, and former finance director Dante Dayacap, 62, are accused of wrongly approving more than $800,000 in bonuses for themselves and others at the Southeastern Economic Development Corp. The payments were labeled as bonuses for holidays, longevity, cost-of-living, “year-end acknowledgment” and other purposes, according to the 10-page felony complaint.

The two left the agency in 2008 under pressure, after an investigation by voiceofsandiego.org. A subsequent city audit outlined many of the same payments and said they amounted to fraud.

If proved, the criminal charges could result in up to seven years and four months in state prison for each of the defendants.

The payments were requested and personally approved over a number of years, according to the five-count complaint which alleges 42 overt acts.

“Each bonus check was signed by Dayacap and Smith, including Smith’s own bonus payment,” the arrest documents say. “The Board was never informed of the bonuses or asked to approve them. City Council was never informed of the bonuses or asked to approve them.”

Officials from the state Attorney General’s Office answered general questions about the arrest warrant but declined to comment on the scope of the allegations.

A spokesman said Tuesday that Smith had not yet been arrested but was informed she would need to turn herself in for booking soon; Dayacap was arrested Tuesday and is scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday on five separate charges.

The same official said the FBI assisted with the investigation. Neither Smith or Dayacap could be reached Tuesday for comment.

Smith joined the agency in 1984 and took over as its head in 1994. The organization promotes economic development in seven square miles east of downtown, and is set up as a nonprofit city agency.

The arrest documents allege a number of lies, omissions and misrepresentations used to keep city leaders in the dark about compensation at the agency. In discussing the budget for 2007-08, for instance, the documents say, “Smith’s explanation of merit bonuses was also a misrepresentation, listing an example of $2,000 when in fact Smith had already received $53,500 in bonus compensation alone that fiscal year to date.”

Smith was fired after the city audit.

She originally was awarded a $100,350 severance package but that payment has been withheld. Last year, Smith filed a lawsuit to recover the tied-up severance package but the payment remains in legal limbo.

According to the arrest affidavit, Smith told city officials she found ways to compensate the agency’s employees because City Hall rejected raises and the staff was underpaid compared to a sister agency, the Centre City Development Corp.

Smith defended her record in an August 2008 interview with the Union-Tribune.

“In a nutshell, everything we’ve done in redevelopment has accrued back to the community, and that’s huge because often you find redevelopment displacing people that are living there, but our first priority has been to the residents and businesses in this area,” she said.

Jerry Groomes, who served as president of the Southeastern Economic Development Corp. in the early 1990s and reassumed that job Feb. 1, said he had no idea arrest warrants were forthcoming.

“We were just kind of caught off guard like everybody else,” he said. “It’s unfortunate, but the organization is moving forward. We’re trying to do what we need to do to revitalize the community. That’s my focus.”

An aide to Mayor Jerry Sanders noted that Sanders called on Smith to resign as early as July 2008.

“Now that this is a criminal matter, it would be inappropriate for the mayor to comment publicly beyond that,” spokesman Alex Roth said.

[PCinSD]

[quote=CA renter]
One of my old roommates in L.A. dated a prison guard. It literally drove him crazy, to the point that he shot himself in the head. The stories he told were incredible, and anyone who wants to do it is welcome to do so (then they’d actually have something to base their opinions on). I, for one, would not do it for any price.

Like BG said, it is NOT an easy job to qualify for, nor an easy job to do, contrary to what many of the people who sit behind computers all day like to assert. The turnover is very high, and morale is low, even with this “exhorbitant” pay.

I’d bet the people who are criticizing prison guards’ pay have never had an altercation with a violent and/or insane criminal, much less had to deal with multiple murderers, rapists, child abusers, etc. of the worst kind on a daily basis. That’s why I keep saying, “sign up.” Do it for a year or two, then come back and tell us how easy it is, and how these people should be paid less.[/quote]

That’s cool you don’t want to do it. I’m at a point where I don’t want to either. No need to.

That’s the first time I’ve heard of a prison guard committing suicide solely because of the pressures/stress from the job. People from all walks of life and careers commit suicide. I hear that being a famous actor/comedian is pretty stressful too judging by the suicide rate.

Contrary to what you or BG think, many of those prison guards also sit behind a computer for most of their shift. The turnover is not that high and the morale is no lower than any other field of work.

The “altercation” you’re referring to with a murderer/rapist/abuser, etc. is not what you think it is. These criminals are not so tough when they are locked into a facility wearing PJ’s and ready to get thumped any time they fall out of line. And it’s not one unarmed guard going up against a big bad criminal. It’s 15 armed guards going up against one unarmed moron. Pretty easy job. And for many of the ones that take that job, they do it because they find it to be fun. And financially rewarding.

As for BG not being able to pass the psych exam, well . . . Big Surprise. Big. HUGE.

And, to repeat, to keep beating the drum of “do it yourself, or you’ve waived the right to complain” is nonsensical. It surprises me you keep making that argument, as I assumed you were more thoughtful and reasoned.

[PCinSD]

[quote=CA renter]
One of my old roommates in L.A. dated a prison guard. It literally drove him crazy, to the point that he shot himself in the head. The stories he told were incredible, and anyone who wants to do it is welcome to do so (then they’d actually have something to base their opinions on). I, for one, would not do it for any price.

Like BG said, it is NOT an easy job to qualify for, nor an easy job to do, contrary to what many of the people who sit behind computers all day like to assert. The turnover is very high, and morale is low, even with this “exhorbitant” pay.

I’d bet the people who are criticizing prison guards’ pay have never had an altercation with a violent and/or insane criminal, much less had to deal with multiple murderers, rapists, child abusers, etc. of the worst kind on a daily basis. That’s why I keep saying, “sign up.” Do it for a year or two, then come back and tell us how easy it is, and how these people should be paid less.[/quote]

That’s cool you don’t want to do it. I’m at a point where I don’t want to either. No need to.

That’s the first time I’ve heard of a prison guard committing suicide solely because of the pressures/stress from the job. People from all walks of life and careers commit suicide. I hear that being a famous actor/comedian is pretty stressful too judging by the suicide rate.

Contrary to what you or BG think, many of those prison guards also sit behind a computer for most of their shift. The turnover is not that high and the morale is no lower than any other field of work.

The “altercation” you’re referring to with a murderer/rapist/abuser, etc. is not what you think it is. These criminals are not so tough when they are locked into a facility wearing PJ’s and ready to get thumped any time they fall out of line. And it’s not one unarmed guard going up against a big bad criminal. It’s 15 armed guards going up against one unarmed moron. Pretty easy job. And for many of the ones that take that job, they do it because they find it to be fun. And financially rewarding.

As for BG not being able to pass the psych exam, well . . . Big Surprise. Big. HUGE.

And, to repeat, to keep beating the drum of “do it yourself, or you’ve waived the right to complain” is nonsensical. It surprises me you keep making that argument, as I assumed you were more thoughtful and reasoned.

[PCinSD]

[quote=CA renter]
One of my old roommates in L.A. dated a prison guard. It literally drove him crazy, to the point that he shot himself in the head. The stories he told were incredible, and anyone who wants to do it is welcome to do so (then they’d actually have something to base their opinions on). I, for one, would not do it for any price.

Like BG said, it is NOT an easy job to qualify for, nor an easy job to do, contrary to what many of the people who sit behind computers all day like to assert. The turnover is very high, and morale is low, even with this “exhorbitant” pay.

I’d bet the people who are criticizing prison guards’ pay have never had an altercation with a violent and/or insane criminal, much less had to deal with multiple murderers, rapists, child abusers, etc. of the worst kind on a daily basis. That’s why I keep saying, “sign up.” Do it for a year or two, then come back and tell us how easy it is, and how these people should be paid less.[/quote]

That’s cool you don’t want to do it. I’m at a point where I don’t want to either. No need to.

That’s the first time I’ve heard of a prison guard committing suicide solely because of the pressures/stress from the job. People from all walks of life and careers commit suicide. I hear that being a famous actor/comedian is pretty stressful too judging by the suicide rate.

Contrary to what you or BG think, many of those prison guards also sit behind a computer for most of their shift. The turnover is not that high and the morale is no lower than any other field of work.

The “altercation” you’re referring to with a murderer/rapist/abuser, etc. is not what you think it is. These criminals are not so tough when they are locked into a facility wearing PJ’s and ready to get thumped any time they fall out of line. And it’s not one unarmed guard going up against a big bad criminal. It’s 15 armed guards going up against one unarmed moron. Pretty easy job. And for many of the ones that take that job, they do it because they find it to be fun. And financially rewarding.

As for BG not being able to pass the psych exam, well . . . Big Surprise. Big. HUGE.

And, to repeat, to keep beating the drum of “do it yourself, or you’ve waived the right to complain” is nonsensical. It surprises me you keep making that argument, as I assumed you were more thoughtful and reasoned.

[PCinSD]

[quote=CA renter]
One of my old roommates in L.A. dated a prison guard. It literally drove him crazy, to the point that he shot himself in the head. The stories he told were incredible, and anyone who wants to do it is welcome to do so (then they’d actually have something to base their opinions on). I, for one, would not do it for any price.

Like BG said, it is NOT an easy job to qualify for, nor an easy job to do, contrary to what many of the people who sit behind computers all day like to assert. The turnover is very high, and morale is low, even with this “exhorbitant” pay.

I’d bet the people who are criticizing prison guards’ pay have never had an altercation with a violent and/or insane criminal, much less had to deal with multiple murderers, rapists, child abusers, etc. of the worst kind on a daily basis. That’s why I keep saying, “sign up.” Do it for a year or two, then come back and tell us how easy it is, and how these people should be paid less.[/quote]

That’s cool you don’t want to do it. I’m at a point where I don’t want to either. No need to.

That’s the first time I’ve heard of a prison guard committing suicide solely because of the pressures/stress from the job. People from all walks of life and careers commit suicide. I hear that being a famous actor/comedian is pretty stressful too judging by the suicide rate.

Contrary to what you or BG think, many of those prison guards also sit behind a computer for most of their shift. The turnover is not that high and the morale is no lower than any other field of work.

The “altercation” you’re referring to with a murderer/rapist/abuser, etc. is not what you think it is. These criminals are not so tough when they are locked into a facility wearing PJ’s and ready to get thumped any time they fall out of line. And it’s not one unarmed guard going up against a big bad criminal. It’s 15 armed guards going up against one unarmed moron. Pretty easy job. And for many of the ones that take that job, they do it because they find it to be fun. And financially rewarding.

As for BG not being able to pass the psych exam, well . . . Big Surprise. Big. HUGE.

And, to repeat, to keep beating the drum of “do it yourself, or you’ve waived the right to complain” is nonsensical. It surprises me you keep making that argument, as I assumed you were more thoughtful and reasoned.

[PCinSD]

[quote=CA renter]
One of my old roommates in L.A. dated a prison guard. It literally drove him crazy, to the point that he shot himself in the head. The stories he told were incredible, and anyone who wants to do it is welcome to do so (then they’d actually have something to base their opinions on). I, for one, would not do it for any price.

Like BG said, it is NOT an easy job to qualify for, nor an easy job to do, contrary to what many of the people who sit behind computers all day like to assert. The turnover is very high, and morale is low, even with this “exhorbitant” pay.

I’d bet the people who are criticizing prison guards’ pay have never had an altercation with a violent and/or insane criminal, much less had to deal with multiple murderers, rapists, child abusers, etc. of the worst kind on a daily basis. That’s why I keep saying, “sign up.” Do it for a year or two, then come back and tell us how easy it is, and how these people should be paid less.[/quote]

That’s cool you don’t want to do it. I’m at a point where I don’t want to either. No need to.

That’s the first time I’ve heard of a prison guard committing suicide solely because of the pressures/stress from the job. People from all walks of life and careers commit suicide. I hear that being a famous actor/comedian is pretty stressful too judging by the suicide rate.

Contrary to what you or BG think, many of those prison guards also sit behind a computer for most of their shift. The turnover is not that high and the morale is no lower than any other field of work.

The “altercation” you’re referring to with a murderer/rapist/abuser, etc. is not what you think it is. These criminals are not so tough when they are locked into a facility wearing PJ’s and ready to get thumped any time they fall out of line. And it’s not one unarmed guard going up against a big bad criminal. It’s 15 armed guards going up against one unarmed moron. Pretty easy job. And for many of the ones that take that job, they do it because they find it to be fun. And financially rewarding.

As for BG not being able to pass the psych exam, well . . . Big Surprise. Big. HUGE.

And, to repeat, to keep beating the drum of “do it yourself, or you’ve waived the right to complain” is nonsensical. It surprises me you keep making that argument, as I assumed you were more thoughtful and reasoned.

[bearishgurl]

[quote=pabloesqobar]That’s cool you don’t want to do it. I’m at a point where I don’t want to either. No need to.[/quote]

Your last post the biggest load of nonsensical misogynistic BS hogwash I’ve read on this board in a long while. It’s clear that you have never visited a state prison and are clueless as to the typical duties of a worker there.

And even composed and delivered before the conclusion of your “busy” (lol) business day ;=]

Why don’t you go back to your office and see if you can drum up some more “billable hours/minutes?” Or get those sanction checks written and sent off for the all that stuff you let slide while you’ve been surfing with all of us lowly Piggs on the net??

[bearishgurl]

[quote=pabloesqobar]That’s cool you don’t want to do it. I’m at a point where I don’t want to either. No need to.[/quote]

Your last post the biggest load of nonsensical misogynistic BS hogwash I’ve read on this board in a long while. It’s clear that you have never visited a state prison and are clueless as to the typical duties of a worker there.

And even composed and delivered before the conclusion of your “busy” (lol) business day ;=]

Why don’t you go back to your office and see if you can drum up some more “billable hours/minutes?” Or get those sanction checks written and sent off for the all that stuff you let slide while you’ve been surfing with all of us lowly Piggs on the net??

[bearishgurl]

[quote=pabloesqobar]That’s cool you don’t want to do it. I’m at a point where I don’t want to either. No need to.[/quote]

Your last post the biggest load of nonsensical misogynistic BS hogwash I’ve read on this board in a long while. It’s clear that you have never visited a state prison and are clueless as to the typical duties of a worker there.

And even composed and delivered before the conclusion of your “busy” (lol) business day ;=]

Why don’t you go back to your office and see if you can drum up some more “billable hours/minutes?” Or get those sanction checks written and sent off for the all that stuff you let slide while you’ve been surfing with all of us lowly Piggs on the net??

[bearishgurl]

[quote=pabloesqobar]That’s cool you don’t want to do it. I’m at a point where I don’t want to either. No need to.[/quote]

Your last post the biggest load of nonsensical misogynistic BS hogwash I’ve read on this board in a long while. It’s clear that you have never visited a state prison and are clueless as to the typical duties of a worker there.

And even composed and delivered before the conclusion of your “busy” (lol) business day ;=]

Why don’t you go back to your office and see if you can drum up some more “billable hours/minutes?” Or get those sanction checks written and sent off for the all that stuff you let slide while you’ve been surfing with all of us lowly Piggs on the net??

[bearishgurl]

[quote=pabloesqobar]That’s cool you don’t want to do it. I’m at a point where I don’t want to either. No need to.[/quote]

Your last post the biggest load of nonsensical misogynistic BS hogwash I’ve read on this board in a long while. It’s clear that you have never visited a state prison and are clueless as to the typical duties of a worker there.

And even composed and delivered before the conclusion of your “busy” (lol) business day ;=]

Why don’t you go back to your office and see if you can drum up some more “billable hours/minutes?” Or get those sanction checks written and sent off for the all that stuff you let slide while you’ve been surfing with all of us lowly Piggs on the net??

[UCGal]

pabloesqobar –
Perhaps CA prisons are different. But what you describe is NOT what happens in the prison my family member worked in.

And he quit 2 years from his pension because of the stress… and basically had a nervous breakdown. He’s working at a private prison now… but it’s not the cushy job you describe. At least not in AZ where he works.

I’ve had long talks with him when he was working with the state, when he was trying to figure out his next step (mid breakdown) and saw him recently.

As mentioned – the turnover is high. And part of the reason for that is that dealing with inmates on a day in day out basis is stressful. You can describe it as sitting behind a computer all day – but that’s not the description I got from my family member.

[UCGal]

pabloesqobar –
Perhaps CA prisons are different. But what you describe is NOT what happens in the prison my family member worked in.

And he quit 2 years from his pension because of the stress… and basically had a nervous breakdown. He’s working at a private prison now… but it’s not the cushy job you describe. At least not in AZ where he works.

I’ve had long talks with him when he was working with the state, when he was trying to figure out his next step (mid breakdown) and saw him recently.

As mentioned – the turnover is high. And part of the reason for that is that dealing with inmates on a day in day out basis is stressful. You can describe it as sitting behind a computer all day – but that’s not the description I got from my family member.

[UCGal]

pabloesqobar –
Perhaps CA prisons are different. But what you describe is NOT what happens in the prison my family member worked in.

And he quit 2 years from his pension because of the stress… and basically had a nervous breakdown. He’s working at a private prison now… but it’s not the cushy job you describe. At least not in AZ where he works.

I’ve had long talks with him when he was working with the state, when he was trying to figure out his next step (mid breakdown) and saw him recently.

As mentioned – the turnover is high. And part of the reason for that is that dealing with inmates on a day in day out basis is stressful. You can describe it as sitting behind a computer all day – but that’s not the description I got from my family member.

[UCGal]

pabloesqobar –
Perhaps CA prisons are different. But what you describe is NOT what happens in the prison my family member worked in.

And he quit 2 years from his pension because of the stress… and basically had a nervous breakdown. He’s working at a private prison now… but it’s not the cushy job you describe. At least not in AZ where he works.

I’ve had long talks with him when he was working with the state, when he was trying to figure out his next step (mid breakdown) and saw him recently.

As mentioned – the turnover is high. And part of the reason for that is that dealing with inmates on a day in day out basis is stressful. You can describe it as sitting behind a computer all day – but that’s not the description I got from my family member.

[Author]

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