Torrance City Treasurer to Receive Workers’ Comp

The city of Torrance has approved a workers’ compensation claim from embattled City Treasurer Thomas C. Rupert, who has been on sick leave since early February.

The approval this week means that the city has determined that Rupert’s illness is job-related. He will receive 90% of his salary of about $68,000, and the city will pay medical expenses related to his illness.

Rupert is not expected to return to work until sometime in June, Deputy City Treasurer Linda Barnett said Wednesday. Rupert had earlier told city officials that he hoped to return by late March.

After 28 years as treasurer, Rupert came under fire this winter after disclosures that $6.2 million in city funds were missing in an investment scandal involving Steven Wymer, an Irvine-based investment adviser now charged with securities fraud.

Some city officials have questioned Rupert’s decision to entrust city funds to Wymer, and the City Council subsequently approved major changes in how city funds are invested. Rupert, however, has not been accused of any wrongdoing.

Rupert has been away from his job since Feb. 4. Both Barnett and Rupert’s wife, Marie Rupert, have described his illness as being stress-related.

In an appeal to the council last month, Marie Rupert promised that her husband will return to work, saying: “It takes time to gain your confidence back, and your strength, when all of this has come down on you and it is being blamed on you alone.”

Rupert filed a workers’ compensation claim with the city Feb. 18, and a city claims administrator approved the claim after reviewing a report from his doctor. He can collect benefits at the current level for up to one year.