Independent probe of StanCOG supports allegations against former director
The Stanislaus Council of Governments said in a news release Wednesday that an independent investigation into its spending scandal has been completed and the results have been given to the District Attorney’s Office.
The investigation by a Sacramento law firm concluded that civil grand jury allegations against former Executive Director Rosa De Leon Park were substantiated, the news release said.
District Attorney Jeff Laugero said Monday that his office is investigating potential criminal charges against Park, who was fired in August following grand jury allegations that she lavishly spent taxpayer funds on car rentals, luxury hotels, travel expenses and other purchases on her government-issued credit card.
The June 25, 2025, grand jury report also raised questions about an increase in vacation time for Park that wasn’t approved by the StanCOG board. Park had the option every year of converting unused vacation time to cash.
StanCOG board members authorized the news release Monday to inform the public about the outcome of the independent investigation and provide an update on efforts to restore accountability.
“The policy board believed it was essential that the allegations by the grand jury receive a complete review,” said county Supervisor Buck Condit, who is chairman of the StanCOG policy board. “We are committed not only to understanding what occurred but also to ensuring StanCOG continues to strengthen its policies, oversight and culture moving forward.”
The news release does not itself include detailed findings of the independent investigation into misuse of public funds, which was commissioned by StanCOG, but simply says the allegations in the 38-page grand jury report were substantiated. The report on the investigation hasn’t been made public because it’s now part of a criminal investigation.
Jennifer Shaw, a Sacramento attorney representing StanCOG, said Wednesday that the investigation determined De Leon Park changed the StanCOG vacation policy, serving to give more time to herself and other staff.
The news release didn’t include any findings about first-class flights, expensive lodging and rental car use by StanCOG policy board members.
Attorney Kevin Rooney, who has represented Park, did not return calls from The Modesto Bee.
StanCOG commissioned the Van Dermyden Makus Law Corp. to conduct the independent investigation.
The news release said the policy board will continue to cooperate with additional steps to investigate the allegations of misuse of taxpayer funds. StanCOG said it’s moving forward with “the implementation of operational enhancements and strengthened oversight, while remaining mindful of its responsibility to manage public resources carefully and effectively.”
StanCOG is a transportation planning agency and administers funding for road projects and transit programs for the county and its cities. It administers the funds collected through the half-cent Measure L sales tax, which voters of the county approved in 2016 after hearing promises of careful oversight and accountability.
Treatment of staff blamed for turnover, delays
The grand jury probe revealed a problem with staff turnover at StanCOG, which was attributed to Park’s harsh treatment of employees. Officials have blamed the staff turnover for delays in completing regular audits on the agency’s finances and spending of tax dollars.
According to minutes of StanCOG’s Measure L Oversight Committee meeting April 14, staff gave a presentation on a 2024-25 independent audit on spending of tax funds. But StanCOG was behind on other required audits for 2023-24 and 2024-25, which will be completed in a few months, the minutes said.
Nick Dokoozlian, president of the Stanislaus County Taxpayers Association, said the misuse of public money should be thoroughly investigated, including possible criminal charges.
“We believe this should be pursued to the fullest extent of law,” he said. “It’s extremely important that we keep the foot on the gas pedal and ensure we have all the information necessary for the policy board to decide what to do and hold people accountable.”
StanCOG hired a new executive director, Amber Collins, who has led the organization since March and is recruiting staff to fill vacancies.
Wednesday’s news release referred to actions and operational improvements aimed at strengthening “financial controls, administrative practices, workplace expectations and organizational oversight.” The measures include:
- Enhancement of policies and procedures for credit card purchases and travel on StanCOG business.
- An update of employee policies and administrative procedures, including vacation accrual rates.
- Retention of independent financial and management professionals to assist with fiscal operations, budgeting, policy development and staff training.
- Recruitment efforts to hire a finance director and planning director by August.
The news release said StanCOG remains focused on continued improvements to ensure that state, federal and local funds are spent in compliance with requirements.
This story was originally published June 3, 2026 at 6:04 PM.
