SAN MATEO COUNTY, Calif. — Two former staff of California commuter rail line Caltrain had been sentenced to a collective six months in jail this week.
Each males had been charged again in 2024 with the felony theft of public funds after they embezzled cash to construct secret flats — one on the Caltrain station in Burlingame and the opposite on the close by Millbrae station.
“For this reason I say to individuals, by no means say you’ve got seen all of it, as a result of one thing new like this can come up,” stated San Mateo County District Lawyer Steve Wagstaffe.
Wagstaffe tells our sister station, ABC7 Information in San Francisco, the boys lived contained in the flats for a number of years.
In whole, they spent over $40,000 constructing them and even had issues like workplace areas and dwelling rooms inside.
“When it is public cash that’s being stolen by a public worker, that is egregious. That takes it up a degree,” Wagstaffe stated.
Each males adopted an analogous scheme so as to create the flats. They made this work by hiring contractors to transform former workplace area however saved invoices below $3,000 every, in order that they may very well be authorised.
Caltrain was unavailable for an interview however despatched ABC7 Information a press release, which reads partially: “The misuse of public funds for personal use is a violation of the legislation, Caltrain coverage and the general public’s belief…in instances the place there’s proof of illegal conduct by an worker or a contractor, we instantly act to rectify the state of affairs.”
Outdoors the Burlingame Caltrain station Friday afternoon, many passengers had been shocked to be taught what had been occurring.
“Now I am wanting on the constructing, I wish to know what sort of furnishings he has upstairs,” stated Teddy Agreda.
Invoice Craumer tells us he takes the prepare about as soon as every week. He stated he by no means had any indication somebody was really dwelling there.
“And I am stunned no one else observed as properly. So, he clearly saved properly below the radar for everybody,” Craumer stated.
Caltrain was informed to maintain the flats as they’re whereas the instances had been making their approach by courtroom. And though they had been comparatively easy, they’re going to possible depart an impression on many right here for fairly a while.
“Possibly infrequently in life, individuals can do these loopy issues. I feel he is loco,” Agreda stated.
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