YORBA LINDA : City’s Finance Chief Resigns His Post

Finance Director C. Gordon Vessey, who was arrested last month on suspicion of selling methamphetamine, resigned his post Monday, city officials said.

Vessey delivered his written resignation to City Manager Arthur C. Simonian, according to a statement released by city officials.

Simonian had already reassigned Vessey’s duties to Assistant City Manager David Gruchow and was in the process of removing Vessey’s name from financial documents.

Since he was released from Orange County Jail on July 3, Vessey has been on paid medical leave. According to his brother, Richard Vessey, Gordon Vessey admitted himself to a drug rehabilitation hospital.

The finance director was arrested in a restaurant parking lot June 30 by Buena Park police after allegedly selling two ounces of methamphetamine worth $1,500 to a police informant. He was released after posting $50,000 bond.

Vessey, 42, started working for the city in 1972 as a part-time clerk while attending Cal State Fullerton. After graduation, he was hired as a full-time accountant and worked his way up through the Finance Department. He was appointed finance director in 1984.