DOWNEY — A public corruption probe into the potential misuse of millions of dollars in public funds for an aquatic center in Huntington Park has reached Downey, as investigators executed a search warrant at the residence of Huntington Park City Manager Ricardo Reyes, who lives in the city.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced Tuesday that search warrants were carried out at 11 locations as part of “Operation Dirty Pond,” an investigation into the handling of public funds allocated for the aquatic center project at Salt Lake Park in Huntington Park.

The investigation, which began in November 2022, focuses on allegations of financial mismanagement involving city officials and contractors. Among the locations searched were Huntington Park City Hall, the city’s public works yard, and the proposed aquatic center site. Investigators also searched the residences of current and former Huntington Park city officials, including Mayor Karina Macias and City Councilmember Eddie Martinez.

Reyes, who serves as Huntington Park’s city manager, was among those whose homes were searched. It remains unclear what specific role, if any, he may have played in the alleged misuse of funds.

“My office is committed to ensuring that public officials uphold the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and transparency,” Hochman said. “When concerns arise about the use of public funds or the actions of those in office, it is our duty to investigate thoroughly and protect the public’s trust.”

Investigators seized public records, financial documents, computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices as part of the probe.

The Bureau of Investigation searched the following locations:

• City of Huntington Park, City Hall, 6550 Miles Ave., Huntington Park, CA

• City of Huntington Park Public Works (City Yard located east of Salt Lake Park), 6900 Bissell St., Huntington Park, CA

• Salt Lake Park (Proposed site for aquatic center), 3401 E. Florence Ave., Huntington Park, CA

• Residence of Edvin Tsaturyan and Sona Vardikyan (Owners of JT Construction Group, Inc.), Glendale, CA

• Residence of Efren Martinez (former Huntington Park City Official), Los Angeles, CA

• Business Office of Unified Consulting Services, LLC, Huntington Park, CA

• Residence of Ricardo Reyes (current Huntington Park City Manager), Downey, CA

• Residence of Graciela Ortiz (former Huntington Park City Councilmember), Huntington Park, CA

• Residence of Marilyn Sanabria (former Huntington Park City Councilmember), Huntington Park, CA

• Residence of Karina Macias (current Huntington Park Mayor and City Councilmember), Huntington Park, CA

• Residence of Eddie Martinez (current Huntington Park City Councilmember), Huntington Park, CA

The case is being handled by the District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation and reviewed by the Public Integrity Division. Authorities are encouraging anyone with information regarding the aquatic center project to contact Sgt. Robert L. Jackson at 213-257-2511.