Santa Ana Postmaster Target of Wide-Ranging Investigation

A series of complaints and allegations by postal workers against Santa Ana Postmaster Hector Godinez has prompted a wide-ranging internal investigation, according to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

Len Ellis, assistant inspector in charge of audit and internal crimes for the Los Angeles division of the Inspection Service, confirmed that postal inspectors are looking into allegations against Godinez that include mismanagement of funds. Ellis said on Thursday that the probe began about two weeks ago.

“This is a high-priority investigation, given Godinez’s position and high profile,” he added.

Godinez, who ran unsuccessfully for Orange County supervisor in 1980, is in charge of a Postal Service district that includes all of Orange County and part of Los Angeles County.

Files Seized

Ellis said he and another inspector interviewed Godinez on July 23 and that several boxes of files have been seized.

“I’m a big boy,” Godinez said in an interview. “When anybody comes out to find dirt on me, I can defend myself. . . . I’m not guilty of anything.”

Part of the investigation centers on a Postal Service contract with a Costa Mesa company that refers postal workers injured on the job to certain physicians for treatment, Ellis said.

He said investigators are looking into the circumstances under which that contract was awarded and whether Godinez is in any way connected with the company.

Godinez denied that he influenced or personally approved the awarding of the contract in any way. He also denied any role in the operation of the company and said he believes the investigation is a result of complaints from doctors who allege they were not paid enough.