FBI Executes Warrants at Multiple Locations Linked to Elected Officials in San Bernardino County

On Tuesday, FBI agents executed search warrants at multiple locations associated with two elected officials in San Bernardino County and a prominent media company executive in West Covina. The operation included a residence linked to Ontario City Councilman Alan Wapner and the district office of San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman in Chino Hills.

In addition to these locations, the FBI also served a warrant at the residence of civil litigation attorney Frank Lizarraga, who previously held the role of general counsel for the Southern California Association of Governments. These actions indicate a broad-reaching investigation with significant implications for local governance and media operations.

Furthermore, law enforcement officials executed warrants at both a business and a residence connected to James Su, the founder and president of EDI Media Inc. This company is notable for being the largest Chinese American multimedia organization in the United States, with a focus on television, radio, print, and digital news outlets. Su, who established EDI Media in 1990, has also organized the Chinese American Film Festival and actively promoted cultural and media exchanges between the United States and China.

FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller indicated that the warrants are sealed, preventing disclosure of specific details regarding the nature of the investigation. While questions surrounding a potential connection between these searches and Ontario International Airport arose, Eimiller did not confirm whether a warrant was served at that location. Sources, however, suggested that federal agents did visit the Airport Authority offices on the same day.

Steve Lambert, a spokesperson for the airport, acknowledged awareness of the federal investigation while emphasizing that it would be inappropriate to provide further comments due to the ongoing nature of the inquiry. He confirmed that the airport would cooperate fully with federal authorities.

Dan Bell, a spokesperson for Ontario City, reported that the city clerk’s office received a subpoena around 1 p.m. on Tuesday and expressed the city’s commitment to cooperating with the investigation. In response to the developments, House Representative Norma Torres expressed profound concern, emphasizing the community’s intolerance for corruption at any level of government.

The FBI’s visible presence in West Covina generated considerable attention from local residents, many of whom were confused by the sudden law enforcement activity. Observations outside a residence on Mount Tricia Avenue indicated a thorough search, as agents appeared to take photographs and document findings.

As this situation continues to unfold, local officials and community members alike are seeking clarity on the implications of these searches for their elected representatives and broader governance in San Bernardino County. It is clear that this investigation represents a significant and evolving legal situation, with updates anticipated as more information becomes available.

This story is developing, and further updates will follow as details emerge.