Former Pasadena city employee accused of embezzling $6.4 million

PASADENA, Calif. (KABC) -- A former Pasadena city employee was arrested for allegedly embezzling up to $6.4 million from the city over the past 11 years.

Danny Wooten, who worked in the engineering division of the Public Works Department, is accused of providing as many as 296 potentially fraudulent invoices to the city from four vendors he was connected to, according to a city audit completed in November.

"This is an unprecedented fraud against the City and our people," Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard said in a news release. "Any misuse of taxpayer money is antithetical to our values and commitment to our government."

The alleged misappropriation of public funds was discovered in May 2014. After an internal investigation, city officials reported the irregularities to the Los Angeles County district attorney.

Wooten was fired on July 25, 2014 for reasons unrelated to the investigation. Four other employees have since been placed on paid administrative leave, pending review of the city's investigation and disciplinary action.

The city manager is expected to brief city council members and the public on the matter at a City Hall meeting at 5 p.m. on Jan. 5.