By Motecuzoma Sanchez
March 13,2017
San Joaquin- In an email response to 209 Times contributing author, Frank Gayaldo questioning the validity of the Record’s reporting former Stockton mayor ,Anthony Silva, stole “millions” of dollars, Record publisher, Roger Coover says he stands behind his reporters and editors. The Record has been accused of political bias in the past and just two consecutive days prior to Silva’s arrest warrant being issued, Record columnist Michael Fitzgerald had two of his blog articles removed after public complaints that they were excessively and obsessively against Silva who was no longer mayor.
The Record is the only news outlet to report “millions” despite no basis for such a claim or source including DA Verber’s office.
March 6, 2017 Stockton Record
http://www.recordnet.com/news/20170306/silva-accused-of-stealing-millions-arraigned-on-6-felony-counts-judge-wont-lower-1m-bail
“Silva accused of stealing millions…” is beginning of top-fold headline
“STOCKTON — A San Joaquin County prosecutor alleged Monday afternoon that former Mayor Anthony Silva, once the CEO of the now-defunct Stockton Boys & Girls Club, used an elaborate “double-dipping scheme” to funnel millions in federal grant money into his own pockets from 2010 through early 2014.”
March 6, 2017 Sacramento Bee
https://sacbee.relaymedia.com/amp/news/local/crime/article136779388.html
“Former Stockton Mayor Anthony Silva stole hundreds of thousands of dollars meant for San Joaquin County’s most economically vulnerable youths over a four-year span, laundering cash and charging trips on credit cards, San Joaquin County prosecutors said Monday. Prosecutors detailed a six-count grand jury indictment accusing Silva of money laundering, embezzlement, grand theft and misappropriation of public funds.”
March 7, 2017 KCRA 3
http://www.kcra.com/article/ex-stockton-mayor-on-arrest-its-hard-to-defend-myself-in-a-cell/9103941
“While there were no specific figures given as to how much money Silva took, Himelblau said that during those four years, $2.7 million flowed out of the Stockton Boys and Girls Club, much of it in the form of checks written for under $500.”
March 7, 2017 Washington Post
https://www.washingtonpost.com/amphtml/news/post-nation/wp/2017/03/06/disgraced-ex-mayor-once-accused-of-playing-strip-poker-with-teens-faces-embezzlement-charges/
“Anthony Silva-the eccentric former mayor of Stockton, Calif., once accused of playing strip poker with teenagers-is facing a slew of new charges alleging he stole hundreds of thousands of dollars meant to help poor children.”
March 10, 2017 Fox News US
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2017/03/10/ex-california-mayor-facing-corruption-charges-thinks-jail-cell-is-too-cold.html
“Attorneys with the San Joaquin District Attorney’s Office allege Silva defrauded the club, a non-profit, pocketing hundreds of thousands of dollars for his own private use, including trips to Lake Tahoe, and on a Filipino Dating Site.”
Despite that fact, Coover says in response to a letter from Gayaldo seeking an explanation:
“Frank
Our headline read, ‘DA Alleges Silva Stole Millions’.
Based on my review of our interviews with multiple sources, we stand by our headline and story. We will continue to do our best to always report as accurately as possible and make corrections when needed.
Roger Coover
Roger Coover, President and Publisher
San Joaquin Media Group
The Record, Propel, Vida en el Valle
530 East Market Street, Stockton, CA 95202
(209) 546-8243”
