Public Integrity Unit Announced For Fresno County

Fresno County residents will now be able to report any suspected corruption, fraud or criminal misconduct of elected and appointed officials at all levels of government locally. Wednesday morning, the District Attorney announced the formation of a public integrity unit.

It’s a unit that is literally right down the street from the elections department in Fresno, the intent is to provide a service and let candidates know there is now a watch dog and they must play by the rules.

The District Attorney’s office will now be taking fraud complaints filed by Fresno County residents as opposed to sending them to the Secretary of State office.

"Every community has issues that they can improve on and we’re hoping to provide a service to our community so we can keep the integrity of our elected officials," Lisa Smittcamp said.

Investigators in Fresno will determine whether there are any election violations, conflict of interest, misappropriation of public funds, residency issues or statements filed under penalty of perjury.

"Must be in writing an alleged violation of law, they have to pertain to a public official or employee and must provide sufficient evidence to justify further investigation," Smittcamp said.

County Clerk Brandi Orth said residents have filed numerous complaints in the past and the new DA integrity unit is long over due

"Sometimes things occur, they’ll be able to make a determination whether that happened and if it’s a prosecutable offense," Orth said.

Smittcamp wants everyone to know there’s now a watch dog and all election regulations must be followed. A complaint can be filed at the District Attorney’s office but can also be done anonymously.