San Diego News

SAN DIEGO, CA—United States Attorney Laura E. Duffy announced that David Hedley, a former executive director of the Indian Human Resource Center (IHRC), was arraigned yesterday on an indictment charging him with eight felony counts of theft from the San Diego-based non-profit that received federal funds. The defendant was arrested by Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents on April 25, 2013, in Riverside, California.

According to the indictment, Hedley served as the executive director of IHRC between approximately September 10 and December 11, 2012. During that time, Hedley is believed to have stolen approximately $140,000 from the non-profit.

According to information disclosed at Hedley’s arraignment, on numerous days when Hedley was improperly withdrawing money from IHRC’s bank account, he was spending comparable sums gambling at a local Indian casino. For example, on October 9, 2012, Hedley withdrew $15,000 in cash from the IHRC bank account at the North Island Credit Union (NICU) located in La Mesa, California. On that same day, Hedley purchased $15,000 worth of chips, tokens, or gaming instruments at the Viejas Casino. Similarly, on the October 12, 2012, Hedley improperly withdrew $20,000 in cash from IHRC’s bank account at the NICU branch in Imperial Beach, California, and purchased over $20,000 in chips, tokens, or gaming instruments the same day from Pala Casino.

The IHRC was established to train and assist Native Americans with finding employment outside the tribal setting and was awarded over a half million dollars in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Labor over the past two years as part of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 established a national workforce preparation and employment system to meet the needs of persons seeking employment, including new entrants to the workforce, in order to increase the employment, job retention, earnings, and occupational skills of participants; improve the quality of the workforce, reduce welfare dependency; and improve the productivity and competitiveness of the United States.

United States Attorney Laura E. Duffy commented, “The taxpayer resources provided to IHRC were intended to help create jobs by assisting the Native American community. I commend the FBI for its investigative work leading to these charges.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Daphne Hearn commented, “At the most basic level, this case is about one individual’s greed and the abuse of trust. The FBI will hold those accountable who line their own pockets at the expense of the American taxpayer.”

Hedley was arraigned on the indictment in the Central District of California before Magistrate Judge David Bristow; Hedley pleaded not guilty. Magistrate Judge Bristow set bail at $100,000 and ordered the defendant to appear in the Southern District of California on May 9, 2013.

The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence that the defendant committed the crime charged. The defendant is presumed innocent until the United States meets its burden in court of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Defendant in Criminal Case No. 13CR1129-WQH
David M. Hedley
Age: 38
San Diego

Summary of Charges
Counts 1-8: Title 18, United States Code, Section 666(a)(1)(A)-theft from program receiving federal funds forfeiture: Title 18, United States Code, Sections 981(a)(1)(C) and Title 28, United States Code, Section 2461(c)
Investigating Agencies

Federal Bureau of Investigation
California Department of Justice, Bureau of Gambling Control

by Frank Gormlie

The Open House that the OB Rag and The Green Store held yesterday, Sunday the 28th, turned out to be a huge success – with a big turnout.  The Mayor was a no-show, however, but he is forgiven as he was down at the international border opening gates, a worthy pastime.



The significant turnout from the community and from supporters of both organizations is gratefully appreciated by all the volunteers who work for the two groups that are now under the same roof.  Donations were given, T-shirt sales were made, delightful acoustic music was played, and the liquid refreshments ran out before the vegetarian food.  Thanks to all who came and joined us in our celebrations, and who donated to our causes. And gracias to those who also brought food.

The Green Store was celebrating its 24th anniversary in OB, and the OB Rag was celebrating the opening of our new office. Colleen Dietzel runs the Green Store – which is actually changing its name to the Green Center – and has been primarily responsible for maintaining the ecological resource for this past quarter of a century.  Kip Kruger – who also opened the Green Store with Colleen all those years ago – was on hand, helping out.

Representing the OB Rag was Patty Jones, Judi Curry and myself.

The OB Rag also awarded prizes to the two winners of its recent T-shirt design contest.  Kat Svetlic won first place – and her design is now the current design of the OB Rag T-shirts just printed at James Gang.  Kat was awarded an official, framed certificate and a $50 check. Val Tuck – who won second place – also received the certificate and a $30 check. These T-shirts are now available for a $20 donation. (The size tags on the shirts had this great quotation: “This shirt was sewn by 9 people in a sweatshop-free environment in downtown LA, paid a fair wage and who receive health and other benefits.”)

The music for the Open House – coordinated by Rio Metza – enjoyed by many who attended, and was held outside under a canopy. One of the highlights was a wonderful duo set by Rio and Dustin, with Dustin on guitar.  Jim of People’s also played. David the poet entertained everyone with quiet but insightful demeanor. Megan did an impromptu song, and another couple played great tunes.

On behalf of the OB Rag and the Green Store, we’d like to especially thank Debbi Greene, our bartender. Plus we’d like to acknowledge all the hard work by Kim, Helen, Rio, Judi, Kip, that made the scene a success.  And thank you to the canopy guys, Geno and Bobby.

We want to also give an appreciative nod and bow to the businesses that supported our event: Hungry Lu’s sent over a large platter of cookies – (thank you Charlie), and Surf Rider Pizza donated a vegetarian pizza (thanks Hilary).

Source:  http://obrag.org/?p=73181