Allegations of a rowdy retirement party on state property that reportedly included a stripper and heaving drinking during work hours has 12 California Department of Transportation employees facing disciplinary actions, according to multiple media reports.
The alleged gathering unfolded on July 12 at a Caltrans yard in Monterey located at 2111 Garden Road, according to local TV station KSBW, who broke the news.
The outlet got an email tip from a confidential source about the party and later confirmed that Caltrans leadership and human resources received the same email.
A spokesperson for the transportation department said that a retirement party did happen at the yard and added that an investigation was launched into the matter the very next day.
According to the tipster, many at the party, some of whom were on the clock and being paid with taxpayer money, were drinking and throwing money at the hired stripper.
The source further alleged that some of the employees were seen leaving the party while intoxicated and that some supervisors who had consumed alcohol drove away from the yard in state-issued Caltrans vehicles, both violation of the department’s policy and criminal offense.
On July 23, all 12 of the Caltrans employees were placed on paid administrative leave and since then, 10 of them have gotten notices of termination. Two others received suspension notices.
“Caltrans takes these allegations with the utmost seriousness and is unwavering in holding those involved accountable,” agency spokesperson Matt Rocco said in a statement obtained by the Los Angeles Times. “We quickly launched an investigation and have taken immediate disciplinary action. The behavior described has absolutely no place in our department and stands in direct opposition to our values and ethical standards.”
It’s unclear if any photos or videos of the party exist or if Caltrans yard was equipped with surveillance cameras that may have captured ordeal.
Caltrans noted that the employee for whom the retirement part was thrown was not among those facing disciplinary actions.
Like all state agencies, Caltrans must first serve employees with notices of the proposed disciplinary action and evidence supporting the allegations before the penalties go into effect, The Times reported.
Employees can opt for a review of the disciplinary action and if it’s upheld, can make an appeal to the State Personnel Board.