Prosecutors won’t charge treasurer

Prosecutors will not file charges and have closed their investigation into allegations that county Treasurer Chriss Street steered county office remodeling jobs to favored contractors and conducted personal business during work time.

In a letter issued this week, the district attorney’s office concluded that allegations that Street violated the law are “not established by the evidence.” The letter was sent to county Executive Officer Thomas Mauk, Orange County Board of Supervisors Chairman John Moorlach and Street.

Street, who was already under investigation by federal authorities for his private business dealings involving a bankrupt trucking concern before he became treasurer, came under fire last year for a lavish office remodeling job that cost at least $758,000. It included new, high-end furniture and a floor plan to expand his office and create a small trading floor modeled on those used by investment banks or fund management firms.

-- Christian Berthelsen