LOS ANGELES (AP) — Records show Rudolf Montiel received nearly $1.2 million when he was dismissed as head of the Los Angeles Housing Authority last spring.
A Los Angeles Times investigation published Sunday (http://lat.ms/rBorm8 ) says news of the payout has prompted audits and raised allegations that officials improperly spent taxpayer money intended for the poor on travel and entertainment.
City Controller Wendy Greuel, who has been auditing the agency's travel expenses, released documents Friday outlining public funds used for limousine rides and meals at pricey downtown restaurants.
Montiel was unavailable for comment. His lawyer, Michael Posner, defended the settlement, saying Montiel's contract entitled him to 18 months' pay if dismissed.
Mitchell Kamin, the new president of the housing authority's board, tells the Times the deal was in the agency's best interest and would be paid for largely by insurance.
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