Mayor Could Be Fined in Bank Loan Dispute

Modesto Mayor Camen Sabatino could face a substantial fine for allegedly failing to tell state election officials about a bank loan over which he is now being sued.

Filing incomplete reports with the California Fair Political Practices Commission can bring fines of up to $5,000 per violation.

Sabatino said he simply didn’t think to mention the loan.

“If I failed to report that, I’ll just amend [the form],” he said.

Union Safe Deposit Bank of Stockton is suing Sabatino and his downtown restaurant, Mediterranean Market & Grill. The bank is claiming that Sabatino did not repay $71,913 in principal and interest.