DA investigates possible criminal charges against former Stanislaus agency director
The Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office is conducting a criminal investigation of alleged misuse of public funds by Rosa De León park, former CEO of the Stanislaus Council of Governments.
The Council of Governments policy board has scheduled a closed-door meeting Monday evening on anticipated litigation. The action follows completion of an investigation by a Sacramento law firm that confirmed findings of a civil grand jury probe last year, a board member said.
District Attorney Jeff Laugero said by email Monday that the complaint is being investigated. He said he could not provide further details because it’s an active investigation.
Park was placed on paid leave in June 2025 based on the grand jury report and was terminated by a 9-0 policy board vote in August. The grand jury alleged that Park spent more than $100,000 on rental cars over a three-year period, most of them luxury vehicles, which were billed to taxpayers, and also spent heavily on first-class airline flights and luxury hotels.
A review of Park’s government-issued credit card purchases revealed spending on personal items including a $560 Tumi suitcase, as well as 62 transactions with no receipts. The grand jury also raised questions about excessive pay for Park and an increase in vacation time to nine weeks that was not approved by the board.
The grand jury report also criticized the director for harsh treatment of StanCOG staff.
The allegations of lavish spending have been an embarrassment for StanCOG, an agency that administers millions of dollars in transportation funds for Stanislaus County and its cities.
County Supervisor Mani Grewal, a policy board member, said a criminal investigation and potential criminal penalties are necessary to regain the public’s trust. “That is what will help regain trust — to show there is accountability in government,” Grewal said.
A Stockton attorney who has represented Park could not be reached Monday.
The Modesto Bee will have more on this story.
