News Summary
Kari Bouffard, a former purchasing agent, has filed a tort claim against Anaheim’s finance director, Debbie Moreno, alleging misconduct and fraud. Bouffard accuses Moreno of wrongful termination for whistleblowing on procurement fraud and issues of sexual harassment. The claim reveals systemic problems in the procurement department, suggesting mismanagement of taxpayer money and questions on budget oversight amidst a significant budget shortfall. Despite positive evaluations, Bouffard was terminated just before completing her probation, raising concerns about retaliation and the management of city funds.
Anaheim – A former purchasing agent, Kari Bouffard, has filed a tort claim against the city’s finance director, Debbie Moreno, alleging serious misconduct and fraud. Bouffard claims she was wrongfully terminated for engaging in whistleblower activities, including reporting incidents of sexual assault and harassment, as well as exposing procurement fraud.
The tort claim puts forth several accusations against Moreno, alleging that she misled the city council and protected individuals known for sexual harassment. Bouffard contends that Moreno violated public trust and abused her authority, showing a blatant disregard for City Council policies. The claim highlights systemic issues within the procurement department, indicating a lack of processes and oversight controls that have potentially resulted in the mismanagement of taxpayer dollars.
Bouffard states that when she attempted to raise concerns regarding procurement irregularities, she faced retaliation from Moreno. This situation has been exacerbated by a significant $60 million budget shortfall facing Anaheim, adding urgency to the claims of financial mismanagement. As the city’s top finance official, Moreno oversees a substantial $2.4 billion budget, raising questions about the administration of city funds under her leadership.
Further details from the tort claim reveal troubling practices within the procurement department. Bouffard discovered discrepancies involving contracts, including a situation where ambulances were acquired without proper authorization, thus misleading the City Council regarding procurement decisions. Additionally, Bouffard argues that Moreno advocated for the renewal of an expensive 25-year-old policy for computer hardware procurement without exploring more cost-effective options.
The tort claim suggests the maintenance of outdated procurement practices may intentionally bypass competitive bids and proper procedures. Bouffard estimates that since 2006, Anaheim has spent over $92 million on hardware using improper procurement methods. The city reportedly incurs around $800,000 monthly in credit card purchases, with claims that oversight for this spending is insufficient. Bouffard’s concerns regarding the credit card program were allegedly disregarded, and Moreno supposedly instructed her to prevent an audit team from accessing related documents.
Bouffard’s employment with the city began in the summer of 2024, and she soon reported concerns related to procurement mismanagement. Despite receiving positive performance evaluations, she was terminated just two days before completing her one-year probation period. This timing has led many to question the motivations behind her dismissal.
In light of these allegations, a city spokesperson stated that, while they cannot comment on ongoing personnel matters, they take all workplace concerns very seriously. Anaheim’s Mayor, Ashleigh Aitken, has expressed a willingness to investigate complaints similar to those made by Bouffard.
This tort claim unfolds against a backdrop of financial scandals within the city, including a federal inquiry that revealed collusion between business and political leaders influencing city operations. The recent allegations and the claimed dysfunction within the procurement department have drawn public attention and concern over the proper use of taxpayer money.
Bouffard, through her claim, conveys a sense of being punished for her efforts to protect the city and promote compliance with legal standards. Her allegations not only raise significant questions about the conduct of the finance director but also the management and oversight of taxpayer-funded programs in Anaheim.
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Additional Resources
- LAist: Anaheim Whistleblower
- Wikipedia: Whistleblower
- OC Register: OC Health Care Audit
- Google Search: Health Care Audit California
- OC Register: OC COVID Contractor Fraud
- Google Scholar: COVID Contractor Fraud California
- LAist: OC COVID Double Billing Investigation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: COVID-19
- LAist: Homeless Services Investigation
- Google News: Homeless Services Investigation
Author: Anaheim Staff Writer
The Anaheim Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREAnaheim.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Anaheim, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as major conventions at the Anaheim Convention Center, including NAMM and VidCon, exciting games at Angel Stadium and Honda Center, and developments at Disneyland Resort Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim, plus leading businesses in hospitality, entertainment, and innovation that power the local economy As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECostaMesa.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
