In a major scandal rocking the deep-blue state of California, Live Oak Vice Mayor Aaron Pamma and Unified School District Trustee Simren Pamma have been arrested by the FBI for alleged arson as well as conspiracy, fraud, and perjury.
According to the authorities, the elected officials conspired with the owner of a farmhouse to profit over $200,000 from a fraudulent insurance claim. The conspirators allegedly falsified insurance applications and used a crooked handyman to facilitate the scheme.
In any case, the City of Live Oak issued a tepid condemnation of the events, but failed to add additional details. The statement said, “The City of Live Oak is aware of the recent arrest of Councilmember Aaron Pamma. At this time, the City is monitoring the situation and will continue to assess any developments as more information becomes available.”
Continuing their denunciation, the City added, “Live Oak City Council and staff remain steadfast in their commitment to responsible governance and continued progress for the community. The City’s focus remains on delivering essential services and moving forward with key priorities that benefit the residents of Live Oak.”
Denying any wrongdoing, Michael R. Barrette, Pamma’s attorney, whined, “Vice Mayor Pamma would like his constituents to know that these charges have no basis in fact or law and that he and his brother Simren Pamma will fully and vigorously defend these charges in court and will prove they are in fact innocent of any and all charges.”
Offering a different take, Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey, said that the investigation was well sourced and that more suspects may be named. He noted, “This has been a months-long investigation by our local Cal Fire investigators that started out with an investigation of a fire on the west side of Butte County,” adding, “There very well may be other arrests and activity going out of this conspiracy.”
Unfortunately, this is not the first case of California elected officials getting involved in serious crimes. As we reported, the former executive director of the Democratic Party of Orange County pleaded guilty to felony fraud. Melahat Rafiei faces up to 20 years in federal prison for her crimes, as reported in a Department of Justice (DOJ) report.
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Explaining the case, the DOJ revealed, “In April 2018, Rafiei presented a business opportunity to an individual who was then employed in the medical cannabis…Following this meeting, still in May 2018, Rafiei asked the individual’s business partner to pay her between $350,000 and $400,000 in exchange for getting the cannabis ordinance introduced.”
Describing the details of the coverup, officials stated, “To avoid detection and mask the bribe payments to the Irvine elected officials, Rafiei planned to enter into legal retainer agreements with them…”Later, Rafiei explained to the individual’s business partner that Elected Official 2 had asked for approximately $25,000 and that Elected Official 1 had asked for $200,000.”
Confluding the description of the DOJ described how, “Rafiei then instructed the business partner that the bribe payments would be disguised as attorney fees for legal services rendered to her various public affairs and campaign management companies.”