YORBA LINDA : Ex-City Official Gets 3 Years’ Probation

Former city finance director Charles Gordon Vessey was sentenced Tuesday to three years of probation for selling two ounces of methamphetamine to a police informant.

Vessey will be required to wear an electronic ankle-bracelet for eight months to place him under 24-hour surveillance.

While on probation, Vessey will work again for the city.

He started working Oct. 16 as a $50-per-hour contractor to help with the city’s year-end financial audit, according to Assistant City Manager David Gruchow.

“Because Gordon hasn’t been here, we’ve had to spend a lot of time searching in the files,” said Gruchow, who decided to contract with Vessey. “He’s got 20 years’ worth of experience in his head.”

Vessey pleaded no contest in August to possession for sale of two ounces of methamphetamine, valued by police at $1,500.

“The City Council was not consulted about this decision, but it was the right thing to do,” said Mayor John M. Gullixson of Vessey’s contract with the city.

Vessey resigned as finance director in July after his arrest in June. An audit of city finances conducted soon after turned up no discrepancies.

Gruchow said the city is currently searching for a new financial director and Vessey may be hired on a contract basis to train that person. Vessey was not available for comment.

Municipal Judge David T. McEachen on Tuesday gave Vessey, 42, and co-defendant Joseph Michael Garner, 23, of Chino Hills, three years’ probation each.

Garner also had to pay a $500 fine, according to his attorney, Deputy Public Defender Ronald Klar. Vessey had to pay a $1,000 fine, according to his lawyer Edward R. Munoz.

Garner was not available for comment.

Vessey spent 22 days in a drug rehabilitation program in Orange and is continuing psychological and drug counseling, Munoz said.