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The Board of Trustees voted Wednesday morning to fire Richard Van Pelt, vice president of administrative services. President Mark Rocha has also recommended the termination of Alfred Huthchings, supervisor for Facilities Services.

            In a statement read by Board President Geoffrey Baum, the board voted unanimously to terminate the employment of Van Pelt. The action is to take place immediately. The vote took place in a special closed session meeting that took place early Wednesday morning. Trustee Berlinda Brown abstained from the vote.

            “The Board in closed session voted to terminate the employment contract between the District and Dr. Richard van Pelt in accordance with the terms of that contract,” said Baum in the statement from the Board. “The Boards action is independent of the ongoing criminal investigation by the Los Angeles District Attorney.”

            As a classified employee, Hutchings has, “the right to pursue administrative remedies before the Board’s final decision is reported publicly,” according to the statement from the Board.

            Van Pelt and Hutchings are both currently being investigated by the Los Angeles District Attorneys office for alleged bribery connected to facilities purchases and other conflict of interest violations. Both were put on administrative leave since June 7.

            In a statement made by Rocha on June 7, PCC will be conducting its own investigation into the two employees actions.  PCC will also be conducting and independent audit of the schools finances.
           The PCC Board of Trustees will hold a regular meeting tonight with open session starting at 7:00 p.m.

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