Westminster : Police Wind Up Probe of Former Official, Contract
Westminster police have completed their investigation of John Cyprien, former deputy city administrator, and a $100,000 road-paving contract that was allegedly awarded exclusively to a Phoenix firm rather than being advertised for bidders, as required by law.
Cyprien, who started working for the city in August, 1981, resigned last week and declined comment on either his resignation or the investigation.
In May, Nevada contractor Robert Snyder accused him of entering into a “secret agreement” with Phoenix contractor Jack M. Mitchell for the road-paving, which Snyder alleged netted Mitchell a $91,000 profit.
City Councilman Elden Gillespie said the case had been handed over to the Orange County district attorney’s office. “If a guy resigns from a position with a salary upwards of $60,000, there’s got to be some good reason,” he said.
Police Chief Don Saviers said no charges have been filed. He declined to reveal details of the investigation but said that it took longer than expected because “more evidence” surfaced recently.
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