LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Sheriff's Office has released additional details regarding the investigation of the county's former Community Development Director who authorities believe was in possession of child pornography.
Richard James Coel, 47, of Lower Lake is being investigated by both the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Lake County Sheriff's Office, as Lake County News first reported on Tuesday.
At 8 a.m. Monday FBI agents met with detectives from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, reporting that they were investigating a child pornography case involving Coel, according to Lt. Steve Brooks.
Brooks said sheriff's detectives are working closely with the FBI agents by providing any assistance needed to investigate the case.
He said the Lake County Sheriff’s Office also is conducting a parallel investigation concerning the child pornography allegations.
At 11:50 a.m. Monday FBI agents and sheriff’s office detectives responded to Coel’s residence, Brooks said.
Brooks said Coel’s computer was seized as evidence and is pending a forensic examination.
On Tuesday morning, Coel submitted his resignation, which was accepted by the Board of Supervisors, according to Board Chair Rob Brown.
Brown said that the board held a closed session during its Tuesday meeting, emerging to vote to appoint Public Works Director Scott De Leon interim director of the Community Development Department.
Coel has served as Community Development Department director since November 2006, and had been with the department for several years beforehand in other roles.
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Officials give more details on investigation of former county Community Development director
- Elizabeth Larson
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