Sweetwater, Southwestern Officials Targeted in Corruption Investigation

The San Diego County District Attorney's Office was investigating alleged political corruption at Sweetwater schools and Southwestern College, and executed search warrants on potential targets of that probe.

Investigators on Tuesday executed search warrants at the homes of six sitting and past officials, and at the home of a contractor who has worked for both districts, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported.

Computers and boxes of documents were seized in the searches but no one was arrested, according to the newspaper, which reported that warrants were served at residences from Bonita and Escondido over several hours.

Among those targeted Tuesday were Sweetwater Union High School District board members Pearl Quinones, Arlie Ricasa and Bertha Lopez.

Lopez told the Union-Tribune she didn't have anything to hide, while Ricasa reportedly said she didn't know what investigators might be seeking.

The District Attorney's Office confirmed to the newspaper that a criminal probe was being conducted but declined to elaborate.

Those targeted Tuesday share a web of connections, tied to construction bond measures approved by voters within the two districts, according to the Union-Tribune.

- City News Service