Federal investigators carried out a series of search warrants Tuesday at locations connected to elected officials in San Bernardino County, a prominent Chinese American media executive and Ontario International Airport, though authorities have not disclosed what prompted the investigation.
The FBI confirmed agents executed warrants at a residence associated with Ontario City Councilmember Alan Wapner, the Chino Hills district office of San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman and a residence connected to attorney Frank Lizarraga, former general counsel for the Southern California Association of Governments.
Investigators also searched a business and residence in West Covina tied to James Su, founder and president of EDI Media Inc., a Chinese-language multimedia company that operates television, radio, print and digital news outlets throughout the United States. Su also established the Chinese American Film Festival and has long promoted cultural and media exchanges between the United States and China through his work in broadcasting and entertainment.
According to the company’s website, EDI Media is the nation’s largest Chinese American multimedia organization. Su founded the company in 1990.
FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller said the search warrants remain under court seal, preventing the agency from discussing the purpose or scope of the investigation. She confirmed that no arrests had been made as of Tuesday.
Authorities have not explained whether Hagman, Wapner, Lizarraga, Su and Ontario International Airport are connected as part of the same investigation. None of the four men could be reached for comment Tuesday.
“We are aware of an investigation being conducted by federal authorities. Because this is an active investigation, it would be inappropriate to comment further while that process is underway,” airport spokesperson Steve Lambert said. “We will continue to cooperate as appropriate and have no additional information to provide at this time.”
San Bernardino County spokesperson Jannelle Needham said county officials are aware of the federal investigation but declined to discuss the matter.
“As this is an active matter, we are not able to provide additional comment at this time,” Needham said. “We will cooperate as appropriate and do not have any further information to share.”
Ontario city officials also acknowledged federal activity. City spokesperson Dan Bell said the city clerk’s office received a subpoena around 1 p.m. Tuesday and confirmed the city intends to cooperate fully with the FBI.
Separate FBI activity also unfolded Tuesday afternoon at a mansion in the 600 block of North Canon Drive in Beverly Hills. Investigators have not said whether that search is connected to the warrants served in San Bernardino County and West Covina. Television footage from Fox 11 showed agents moving throughout the large estate.
U.S. Rep. Norma Torres, whose district includes portions of the Inland Empire, said she was concerned by reports of the searches involving public officials.
“I am awaiting further information, but our community has zero tolerance for corruption at any level of our government, from the President down to the City Council,” Torres said.
In West Covina, FBI agents remained active outside Su’s hillside residence throughout Tuesday morning. Agents were seen entering and leaving the property, photographing evidence and examining a white SUV parked at the home.
The residence is located in an affluent neighborhood bordering the San Jose Hills and the former BKK Landfill.
One nearby resident, who declined to be identified, said law enforcement activity appeared to begin early Tuesday morning.
“I didn’t really know what was going on,” the neighbor said, adding that the neighborhood is usually quiet. He said he only knew the family through occasional greetings and observed family members speaking with federal agents during the search.
West Covina City Manager Milan Mrakich said he was aware of the FBI presence but had no additional information to share. Councilmember Tony Wu told the Southern California News Group he had received numerous calls from residents asking about the activity. Property records identify the home as belonging to Su.
Wu also said Su has not played an active role in city events in recent years and that he has not attended the Chinese American Film Festival, organized annually by EDI Media in Los Angeles, in recent years.
