Attorney general files charges against ex-PDC officers

California Attorney General Kamala Harris this week filed charges of fraud and embezzlement against two former law enforcement officers at the Porterville Developmental Center.

Former PDC Cmdr. Jeff Bradley and PDC Lt. Scott Anthony Gardner face several charges, including embezzlement of public funds, grand theft and presentation of a fraudulent claim stemming from their roles in allegedly embezzling $121,511 in overtime pay at California taxpayers’ expense.

Bradley was arrested by Porterville Police officers earlier this week, while Gardner was still being sought as of early Friday, Porterville Police Chief Chuck McMillan told The Recorder.

The case dates back four years and has resulted in the state Joint Legislative Audit Committee conducting an audit of the Office of Protective Services, the law enforcement agency under the Department of Developmental Services. The overtime pay issue was also highlighted in an extensive report by California Watch, part of the Center for Investigative Reporting, which found rampant abuse of overtime pay, especially at the Porterville facility.

See Saturday's Recorder for the full story.