LADWP General Manager Austin Beutner to Hold Media Briefing Regarding
the Initiation of Disciplinary Proceedings Involving 2 Employees for Misconduct

Media Briefing

Austin Beutner, General Manager

Wednesday, May 19, 2010
9:30 a.m.

LADWP Headquarters
John Ferraro Building
Executive Conference Room
111 N. Hope Street, Room 1514
Los Angeles, CA  90012

Map

A group of LADWP employees were the subject of a recent investigation conducted by KCBS-TV. In the report, aired on April 29, 2010 during the 11:00 p.m. newscast, KCBS aired video footage that contained images of LADWP crew members engaged in what appeared to be inappropriate and possibly illegal behavior.  

Immediately following the airing by KCBS of advertisements promoting the story, the Department initiated an investigation. Prior to the story’s airing, LADWP Chief Operating Officer Raman Raj issued a statement, an excerpt of which is as follows:

“Any employee who is found to have acted inappropriately will be held accountable and will face swift disciplinary action. For violations involving alcohol use on the job or other inappropriate conduct, penalties include action up to, and including, termination.”

After the story aired, LADWP suspended six employees from their normal duties pending the outcome of the investigation. The employees remained at work, but were reassigned to other work duties.