SALINAS, Calif.- The man who was supposed to help solve the water crisis on the Monterey peninsula, now faces a long list of criminal charges.
We're talking about the conflict of interest allegations over the desalination plant on the Monterey peninsula.
Back in June, the Center for Investigative Action told you the person who led the push for the regional desaiination project, also worked for the company that eventually won the rights to manage it.
The Salinas Valley Water Coalition sent a letter in March concerned that Steve Collins, who was the board director for the Monterey County Water Resource Agency was also being paid by the company ultimately contracted to manage the project.
This launched several investigations into the project and forced Collins out of the agency.
It also put plans on hold to figure out a new water source.
Now, Collins is out of a job and facing seven years in prison.
"Two conflict of interest charges, 31 grand theft charges and six misdemeanor charges," said District Attorney Dean Flippo.
The two conflict of interest charges focused on payments he received from RMC Engineering while working on the desal project.
The 31 felony grand theft charges come from payments Collins received from Ocean Mist Farms, something prosecutors uncovered while sifting through thousands of documents relating to the conflict of interest investigation.
"We took a look at a number of invoices not only to RMC but also to Ocean Mist Farms, which was another company that was contracting for his services. As we were looking to determine whether or not he received funds for going to meetings in his official capacity...We also discovered there were incidents where he billed for meetings he did not attend or that didn't occur at all," said assistant district attorney Stephanie Hulsey.
As for the other people who worked closely with Collins on the desal project: By law, the district attorney is not able to go after any other public officials who knew about Collins' conflict of interest.
"We do not have any other person that we are in a position to file charges on at all," said Flippo.
Currently the desal project is on hold and Cal Am, the Marina Coast Water District, and the Monterey County Water Resource Agency are in mediation trying to see if they can work it out together or have to go separate ways.
The Fair Politcal Practice Commssion is still investigating this case and it could slap people with violations but it would only be civilly. Collins does have a prior violation leveled against him by the FPPC.
