The FBI conducted a raid in California on Tuesday.
On Tuesday, FBI agents conducted a raid at Contra County Assessor Gus Kramer’s office and home.
Details regarding the raid are currently limited but Kramer claimed the FBI’s raid was over assessed value of properties in the county.
CBS News provided further details on the raid:
FBI agents raided the home and offices of longtime Contra Costa County Assessor Gus Kramer on Tuesday morning.
An FBI spokesperson said that agents served search warrants related to an ongoing investigation at the County Assessor’s Office at 2530 Arnold Drive in Martinez and at Kramer’s home on West Arlington Drive in Martinez. A third warrant was served at the home of Assistant County Assessor Vince Robb’s home on Temple Drive in the city of Pacheco.
Kramer said the investigation had to do with the assessed value of properties in the county.
“Apparently, low people in high places are attempting to weaponize the FBI to intimidate the Assessor’s Office regarding some values on some very large properties, it’s really too bad,” said Kramer.
Kramer spoke as he and other county workers waited in the lobby of the Assessor’s Office while FBI agents executed the search warrant. He also confirmed his home was raided before agents arrived at his office.
“I used to work for the Sheriff’s Office. I understand what [the FBI agents] are doing, but all they had to do was come in the office and ask for it politely, and we would’ve given them everything they wanted,” said Kramer.
Take a look:
ABC 7 News reported this isn’t the first investigation Kramer has been under:
In 2019, Kramer was the subject of a civil grand jury accusation of “willful or corrupt misconduct” for creating a hostile and abusive work environment after female employees reported unwanted sexual remarks and racial disparagement. The case ultimately resulted in a mistrial.
ADVERTISEMENT“I have been investigated more times than not. And every time, I am exonerated. Every! Time!” Kramer said. “My problem is, I have been here 32 years. I know more, I know too much! They would really like me to go away.”
Kramer said he does not know what items were taken from his office and that agents removed one document from his home. He remains in his position but said he is unsure when the assessor’s office will reopen.
One supervisor said the county is considering legal options to protect the assessment process. Because Kramer is an elected official, he cannot be placed on paid leave.
It doesn’t end there.
The New York Post reported Kramer previously received backlash after being caught dressing in drag.
Here’s the video:
Join the conversation!
Please share your thoughts about this article below. We value your opinions, and would love to see you add to the discussion!