the government's criminal investigation into DWP might be over

the lead prosecutor in the case has left. Usually that means an investigation is wrapping up.

After over three years, the federal government’s criminal probe into the LA Department of Water and Power and the city attorney’s office might be over. I’m saying this because the lead prosecutor in the case, Melissa Mills, left the U.S. Attorney’s Office recently to take a job at the private firm Wilson Sonsini. From what I am hearing, if the lead attorney leaves it usually means a case is wrapping up. An AUSA wouldn’t leave in the middle of a case, especially a big public corruption one like DWP.

Which means no more indictments or plea deals with senior officials like Mike Feuer, or other unnamed individuals the government cited who committed a lil extortion and bribery along the way.

Officially, the U.S. Attorney’s Office told me, “the investigation is ongoing.” Now it might be saying the investigation is ongoing because, technically, two people still have to be sentenced. The sentencing of Paul Paradis has been delayed to November. Who knows, maybe something else will come down, but the exit of the head prosecutor makes it seem like the party is over. If it is over, you better believe a lot of people are breathing a huge sigh of relief.