City Officials Facing Allegations of Misuse of Grant Funds in Extravagant Expenses

In February, allegations against Jenkins and Murphy emerged after a city investigation discovered that Jenkins had falsified invoices to use grant funds on extravagant expenses such as cigars, liquor, motorcycle rentals in Tahoe, and late-night pizza deliveries. The investigation also claimed that Murphy, working at a larger nonprofit that Jenkins subcontracted with, approved some of these false claims.

During Monday’s hearing, Deputy City Attorney Hunter Sims emphasized in his closing argument that the case was about the breach of public trust. He made it clear that taxpayer funds would not be used to fund lavish trips to Tahoe, purchase alcohol, or buy cigars.

Jenkins and Murphy publicly defended themselves for the first time during Monday’s hearing. They disclosed their close financial and personal relationship and revealed that they were the subjects of separate internal investigations at their respective workplaces.