County Panel Moves to Settle Embezzlement Suit
In a move that is expected to settle a lawsuit against an accountant who pleaded no contest to embezzling more than $530,000 in county Fire Department funds, the Los Angeles County Claims Board Friday recommended accepting his wife’s portion of their property.
Last month, the Board of Supervisors proposed the settlement of its lawsuit against William Paternostro, 41, who was suspected of taking more than $800,000 from a department account he controlled. Under the terms of the agreement, Paternostro will hand over his 4,462-square-foot Mt. Washington home, valued at more than $600,000, and other assets he allegedly accumulated while embezzling the money.
Because the suit was also filed against the accountant’s estranged wife, Margaret, she offered to deed her portion of their home and other shared property to settle the matter, claims officials said.
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