Rupert Out of Hospital, Under Doctor’s Care

Torrance City Treasurer Thomas C. Rupert has been released from the hospital but remains under a doctor’s care for a stress-related ailment, his deputy said Friday.

The 28-year treasurer “will be under strict doctor’s care for an extended period of time,” said Deputy City Treasurer Linda Barnett, adding that she does not know when he will be returning to work.

“I think it’s just really too early to say at this point,” Barnett said after speaking to Rupert’s wife, Marie.

Rupert, 58, entered an unidentified hospital Wednesday for what Barnett describes as a stress-related illness.

Just one day earlier, the City Council approved wide-ranging changes in city investment policy in response to the disappearance of $6 million of city funds. Those changes limited Rupert’s authority to invest city funds.

The $6 million had been invested with Irvine-based investment adviser Steven D. Wymer, who has pleaded not guilty to 30 counts of securities fraud and other charges. Rupert has not been accused of any wrongdoing in connection with the missing money.

Meanwhile, Councilman Bill Applegate has asked that the City Council, which meets Tuesday, address the question of who should handle city investments in light of Rupert’s absence.

The council last Tuesday reaffirmed Rupert’s investment powers. But Applegate said Friday that because of the news of Rupert’s illness, “We have to decide what we need to do on this, because there’s a lot of money there.”

The city’s investments, including the $6 million, total about $74 million.