Burbank school board campaign worker charged in alleged sign theft

A volunteer working for Steve Ferguson’s campaign for a seat on the Burbank Unified school board was charged with petty theft this week after he was caught allegedly stealing campaign signs belonging to another school board candidate, officials said.

The volunteer, Scott Trinidad, is due in court later this month, said Burbank Asst. City Atty. Danny Wei.

“I was disappointed in his actions,” Ferguson said of Trinidad, “but I feel he’s going to be facing the consequences of his actions.”

At 6:50 p.m. on Feb. 11, surveillance footage shows Trinidad pulling up in a silver car and taking two campaign signs for school board candidate Charlene Tabet from a business in the 1200 block of West Magnolia Boulevard., according to Burbank Police Sgt. Darin Ryburn.

The business owner reported the incident three days later.

“I’ve apologized to Ms. Tabet publicly and privately because it doesn’t reflect my campaign. I also in no way authorized or supported his actions,” Ferguson said, adding that with the investigation complete, “it’s important that we start talking about real issues facing our district.”

Tabet has also publicly thanked Ferguson for “taking responsibility” for the volunteer involved in the theft.

On March 13, another sign theft was reported in the 900 block of East Tujunga Avenue, though Ryburn said he didn’t know whose signs were involved.

The investigation is ongoing, he added.

-- Kelly Corrigan and Alene Tchekmedyian, Times Community News

Follow Alene Tchekmedyian on Google+ and on Twitter: @atchek.