Joseph Navarro, ex-operations director for Caltrain, embezzled $42,000 in public funds to build a ‘crash pad’ at a train station
- A California transit official has been convicted of embezzling public funds
- Joseph Navarro reportedly embezzled thousands to build himself an apartment in a historic train station
- Navarro faces up to 4 years in prison
A jury in California found a former Caltrain deputy director guilty last week of embezzling public funds to build himself a “crash pad” inside a historic train station.
The San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office announced that Joseph Navarro, 67, was convicted of using $42,000 of public funds — disguised as repairs — to turn a section of the Burlingame train station into his private residence, complete with a bedroom, living room and even a gym.
Deputy District Attorney Joseph Cannon said in court that Navarro redirected taxpayer funds he was in charge of to build the apartment between 2019 and 2021, and that he kept the invoices under $3,000 so they did not need further approval, The Mercury News reported…