A California Democrat running for Orange County assessor has been accused of sexually inappropriate behavior and misusing campaign funds, according to a new report. Janet Keo Conklin, currently a councilmember for La Palma, south of Los Angeles, has lost endorsements from Democratic colleagues following the allegations.
Sexual Misconduct Allegations
Four former staffers told LAist that they left Conklin's campaign due to sexually inappropriate conduct. Two staffers, who requested anonymity, claimed that during a campaign meeting, Conklin grabbed their hands and placed them on her breasts, telling them she had no feeling in her nipples. One staffer said they did not want to touch her but felt forced. Another staffer was allegedly told to 'give it a squeeze.' Three other staffers corroborated the account based on what they heard.
Conklin denied the allegations, calling them 'really ridiculous.' She also dismissed a claim that she joked about avoiding explicit photos while organizing files on her phones, saying it was taken out of context.
Campaign Fund Misuse Claims
Former campaign treasurer Cine Ivery accused Conklin of misusing campaign funds for personal expenses like rent and bills. Ivery said she was fired after requesting receipts for about $1,100 in charges on a maxed-out $2,500 campaign credit card. Most unreceipted payments were at restaurants. Ivery said she had to pay off the card with her own money.
Conklin's current campaign consultant, Michael Trujillo, called the allegations '100 percent not true' and suggested accusers file a complaint with the Fair Political Practices Commission.
Political Fallout
Conklin lost endorsements from Orange County Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento and U.S. Representative Derek Tran. Florice Hoffman, chair of the Orange County Democratic Party, advised Conklin to hire a criminal lawyer. Conklin remained unruffled, stating, 'I'm not concerned. I have not done anything wrong.'
