LAKE COUNTY — A former Lake County Sheriff”s Office lieutenant who is accused of misusing public funds for helicopter pilot training no longer works for the department.
Dave Garzoli allegedly used Drug Enforcement Administration grant money for helicopter pilot training rather than the approved marijuana reconnaissance and eradication.
Capt. Jim Bauman of LCSO confirmed that Garzoli no longer works for the department. The Sheriff”s Office does not release personnel matters to the public such as if Garzoli”s employment was terminated and why he no longer works for the department.
The Lake County District Attorney”s Office is still investigating and hasn”t filed charges against Garzoli, District Attorney Jon Hopkins said.
Hopkins and county counsel said on March 23 they would separately investigate whether Garzoli misused public funds and if he or anyone is liable for criminal or civil charges.
Garzoli crashed a helicopter while training June 25, alerting the county to the helicopter training. At the time of the crash, Garzoli was a lieutenant but had since been demoted to sergeant.
The Lake County Board of Supervisors sent a letter to the California Attorney General in January asking the office to investigate the case, but the office declined, referencing its lack of resources. The office referred the board to local law enforcement and the state auditor.
