Conflict of Interest Charges Filed Against Former Paso Robles School District Employee

Author: District Attorney
Date: 11/1/2019 5:53 PM

Today, the District Attorney’s Office Public Integrity Unit filed a criminal complaint against Gregg Joseph Wangard, of Paso Robles, for violations of conflict of interest laws while he was employed as the Food Services Director at Paso Robles Joint Unified School District between November 2015 and June 3, 2019.

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District Attorney Dan Dow announced today that after reviewing evidence submitted by the Paso Robles Joint Unified School District, the District Attorney’s Office Public Integrity Unit has filed a criminal complaint against Gregg Joseph Wangard, (DOB 9/21/1977) of Paso Robles, for violations of conflict of interest laws while he was employed as the Food Services Director of the school district between November 2015 and June 3, 2019.

The misdemeanor criminal complaint alleges that between November 2, 2015 and June 3, 2019, while Mr. Wangard was the Director of Food Services, he made contracts for services with Kelle & Co. Consulting, an entity owned by his spouse in which he had a financial interest.  The total value of such contracts is alleged to be approximately $2,775.00.  Specifically, Mr. Wangard is charged with one misdemeanor violation of Government Code section 1090 and four misdemeanor violations of Government Code section 87100. 

“The public has the right to expect that public officials will carry out their duties in a lawful, ethical, and professional manner at all times.  While the evidence does not support charges of theft or fraud, it is clear that Mr. Wangard had a prohibited financial interest in the contracts made with his wife’s business,” said District Attorney Dan Dow.  “The Public Integrity Unit pursues charges such as these when appropriate to hold specific officials accountable and to deter future conduct by others.”

On October 15, 2019, the District Attorney’s Office received a request from Superintendent Curt Dubost asking the District Attorney to independently review evidence obtained during an investigation to look for any possible criminal violations.

Today, the District Attorney’s Office mailed Mr. Wangard a letter ordering him to appear in Superior Court for arraignment on November 18, 2019.  It is important to note that every criminal defendant is legally presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 

A copy of the criminal complaint can be found here.

For media inquiries, please contact Deputy District Attorney Michael Frye, (805) 781-5858.

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