A political watchdog group says an official with Governor Schwarzenegger’s administration who resigned Thursday night (3.5) should face criminal prosecution.
California State and Consumer Services Agency Director Rosario Marin stepped down after accepting speaking fees from pharmaceuticals her agency regulates.
Media reports say Marin was paid 15-thousand dollars by Pfizer and another 13-thousand by Bristol Myers Squibb.
Common Cause spokesman Derek Cressman says Marin’s actions are “outrageous” and her resignation isn’t enough…
“ Its an agregious use of someone’s office to benefit themselves personally by pocketing speaking fees at the expense of public safety. And, we also think it’s illegal…”
A spokesman for the state consumer services office says Marin is not commenting about the allegations against her at this time.
The State’s “Fair Political Practices Commission” is investigating.
It has 90 days to decide if Marin should face criminal charges.
This happens at the same time another official in a state consumer agency is being scrutinized for taking her daughter to a Justin Timberlake concert and charging the state transportation costs.