Inyo/Mono/Alpine Tri County Fairgrounds Still Under Investigation Nov. 26, 2013, by Sierra Wave News.

Fairgrounds still under investigation

Posted: 26 Nov 2013 08:50 AM PST

The California Highway Patrol Investigative Services Unit continues to look into reports that an embezzlement may have taken place within operations at the Eastern Sierra Tri-County Fairgrounds. The CHP took over the investigation since the Fairgrounds are State facilities.
San Bernardino CHP Officer Filemon Verdi said he is handling the case. He said, “The investigation is still ongoing. We are putting together a report to present to the District Attorney at this point,” he said. Officer Verdi did not have a time frame on closure of the investigation.
It was in late August that word surfaced that money may be missing from Fairgrounds accounts. Sam Dean, President of the Fair Board, had earlier said the Board did not know how much money was missing. He said, “Investigators have our paperwork.”
More recently, Dean said that investigators have contacted officials for clarification on details. Said Dean, “I think they are close to sending the case to the District Attorney.”
At the same time reports circulated about a possible embezzlement, Fair officials placed employee Rebecca Bragdon on administrative leave. Again, the case is still pending and no charges have been filed.
Meanwhile, Sam Dean said he has assumed the responsibility of oversight of Fair operations at this time.