State Concludes Glenn County Superintendent Investigation

Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

SACRAMENTO--The California Department of Justice has completed its criminal investigation of former Superintendent of Glenn County Office of Education, Joni Samples, and concludes that there is insufficient evidence to prove that she committed a criminal offense beyond a reasonable doubt.

The department’s investigation focused on a number of public corruption allegations against Samples, including unauthorized use of Glenn County Office of Education’s resources for private business, unauthorized use of Glenn County Office of Education's resources for political campaigning, unauthorized use of Glenn County Office of Education's funds to pay for her personal vehicle, including repairs and equipment for the vehicle, unauthorized use of Glenn County Office of Education's funds to pay for personal travel, and unauthorized use of Glenn County Office of Education's funds to reimburse the office for money embezzled by an employee.

The investigation into this matter included reviewing more than 4,000 documents and interviewing more than 30 witnesses. Based on the documents reviewed as well as the people interviewed, the California Department of Justice has concluded that there is insufficient evidence to prove that Samples has committed a criminal offense beyond a reasonable doubt.

Government Code section 6254, expressly exempts investigatory and security files of the attorney general, including complaints about unlawful practices, from public disclosure. As such, additional details about the state's investigation will not be disclosed.

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