Orange County Transportation Corridors Agencies head resigns after investigation into alleged misconduct
The transportation agencies have announced that former Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Chief Executive Officer Howard Shoenfeld has resigned.
Shoenfeld has been accused by former employees of using intimidation tactics against several employees and other OCTA employees who complained about his behavior.
Orange County Transportation Authority has announced the termination of former Chief Executive Officer Howard Shoenfeld. (Orange County Transportation Authority)
Shoenfeld has been charged with one felony count of misdemeanor harassment for allegedly sexually harassing a coworker in June 2017.
Shoenfeld allegedly used intimidation tactics against several OCTA employees who complained about his behavior, according to a civil lawsuit filed in January 2018. Shoenfeld’s attorney did not respond to requests for comment, and the Orange County District Attorney’s Office on Tuesday declined to file criminal charges citing the statute of limitations.
Shoenfeld was also accused by former colleagues of using intimidation tactics to silence complaints against a senior OCTA manager, whom he allegedly harassed at the same time. Shoenfeld’s attorney declined to comment when asked about the allegations and when asked if Shoenfeld would comment on the current situation, the OC District Attorney’s Office said they cannot make any public statements while the criminal case is pending.
“The DA’s office is committed to the fair pursuit of truth and to ensuring that every possible investigative means is used to ensure that all appropriate legal authorities are brought to bear,” the office’s statement said.
In October, the Civil Rights Division of the DOJ announced a settlement with the OCTA following a wrongful dismissal lawsuit. The settlement requires OCTA to restore severance pay for several former employees that alleged they were fired or treated less favorably because they complained about discrimination.
On Nov. 27, The Register obtained a redacted copy of a document provided to Orange County employees about Shoenfeld’s time in the position. In the document, a former OCTA manager described a