LOWER LAKE >> Despite being under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office for the alleged possession of child pornography, former Lake County Community Development Director Rick Coel has yet to be arrested or charged with a crime.
According to an FBI spokesperson, there simply isn’t enough evidence to warrant such a move at present, but the investigation is ongoing. The FBI representative — speaking by request of anonymity — did not go into further detail because the federal agency doesn’t disclose information during an active investigation.
Other law enforcement agencies also refrained from offering more information.
When asked about the possibility of an arrest, LCSO Lt. Steve Brooks said that it is “pending a forensic examination on the computer” which was seized at Coel’s house on Monday.
Coel’s resignation was received and accepted by Board of Supervisors Chair Rob Brown.
“We got his resignation yesterday and we’re moving on. It’s got nothing to do with us,” Brown said. “There are thousands of people relying on us to get them back to their homes.”
Coel worked at the county for nearly 20 years.
Information about his whereabouts and limitations during the investigation weren’t released.
