Obdulia Banuelos-Esparza, the ex-director of events and marketing at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, pleaded guilty to soliciting kickbacks from a security service. She threatened to terminate the contract unless she received compensation, leading to the company paying her $40,000. An investigation started after a citizen's complaint was made to the County Counsel's Whistleblower Program. Banuelos-Esparza is required to repay the amount and will serve felony probation, with formal sentencing set for August 14.
Obdulia Banuelos-Esparza, former director of events and marketing at Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, admitted to receiving kickbacks from a security company patrolling the venue.
County prosecutors charged Banuelos-Esparza after an investigation revealed she threatened to terminate a security firm's contract unless given cut of payments.
Banuelos-Esparza must repay $40,000 to the security company and will serve felony probation as part of a plea bargain.
The investigation began after a referral from the County Counsel's Whistleblower Program, following a citizen's complaint alleging kickback schemes.
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