Former La Jolla Councilmember Barbara Bry is under criminal investigation, as confirmed by a spokesperson for San Diego City Attorney Mara Elliot for alleged conflict of interest violation of her council duties and incorrect filing made by Bry. Bry had already come under scrutiny of the City of San Diego Ethics Commission for failing to correctly file her form 700 “Statement of Economic Interest,” which was filed under penalty of perjury. The Form 700 provides transparency and ensures accountability and Bry’s amended filing according to the San Diego Reader “may grow in significance should ethics enforcement agencies, including the city’s ethics commission and state’s Fair Political Practices Commission, determine the matter needs further investigation.” Four months later, Bry changes financial disclosure report | San Diego Reader
Bry served a single term on the San Diego City Council and ran a failed 2020 mayoral bid against San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. Bry is currently running for the office of Assessor/ Recorder/ County Clerk against Assessor Taxpayer Advocate Jordan Marks. The company of which Barbara Bry failed to disclose ownership tried to sell the Assessor’s office a product that profited when property taxes increased on certain residential properties.
Senior Chief Deputy City Attorney Mark Ankcorn suggested via email that a criminal investigation be opened regarding Bry’s alleged failure to disclose evidence of fraud during her brief stint on the council. According to Bry’s Form 700 financial disclosures, Bry stands to profit from her husband’s lawsuit. Bry’s husband, Neil Senturia, filed to profit from a whistleblower action that was only viable if Bry did not report a potentially known fraud. If Bry had prior knowledge of fraud committed against the city, would she have a statutory duty to report it, according to the City Attorney’s office.
In a series of emails, Bry’s attorney claimed that Bry accidentally reported her husband’s company as a source of income. In reality, he said, Bry would not stand to gain from her husband’s windfall.
This isn’t Bry’s first attempt to downplay the scandal, however; Bry’s husband, Senturia tried to suppress information regarding the 2020 suit by having the court records sealed, an effort which was only temporarily successful.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates on Barbara Bry’s pending criminal referral.
copier@sandiego.gov_20211216_154219_Redacted
Photo Cred: Eduardo Contreras / The San Diego Union-Tribune
