Investigation Finds Workplace Violence Violation in OC Treasurer’s Office

An internal investigation into the Orange County Treasurer-Tax Collector’s office found that elected Treasurer Shari Freidenrich likely violated the county’s workplace violence policy, adding new context to the ongoing controversy over her removal from overseeing billions in public investments.

According to findings obtained through a public records request, the investigation centered on a 2021 incident in which Freidenrich threw office keys at a subordinate during a moment of anger. Investigators concluded the act was a substantiated violation of workplace conduct policies, with multiple witnesses corroborating the incident. 

The report also revealed that a temporary employee who witnessed the incident resigned the same day, citing the situation as a factor in their decision. 

Beyond the specific incident, the investigation documented broader concerns within the department, including allegations of excessive micromanagement, demeaning behavior, and a workplace environment described as tense and difficult for staff. 

The findings were part of a confidential report completed in 2022 but only recently made public. County supervisors have since pointed to these issues, along with other management concerns, as key reasons behind their decision to strip Freidenrich of her authority over the county’s $17 billion investment pool. 

Freidenrich has pushed back on the allegations, disputing aspects of the findings while stating she addressed concerns through coaching and corrective actions following the investigation.

The release of the report has intensified scrutiny of the Treasurer-Tax Collector’s office, raising broader questions about workplace conditions, leadership accountability, and the decision-making process behind shifting control of the county’s financial operations.

Read the Original Article: https://laist.com/news/politics/orange-county-elected-treasurer-tax-collector-workplace-violence-investigation