San Francisco Sun

San Francisco Department of Human Resources (DHR) Director Carol Isen, Controller Greg Wagner, and City Attorney David Chiu announced new controls today following criminal charges against former DHR employee Stanley Ellicott. Ellicott, along with others, faced charges related to the misuse of grant funds and an elaborate scheme to siphon off City funds.

"I am disgusted and angered by the actions taken by Mr. Ellicott," said Human Resources Director Carol Isen. "He took advantage of his colleagues and the public to benefit himself. There is no excuse or place for this type of behavior in City government and anyone who participates in this type of misconduct should be held accountable — morally and in a court of law."

"The abuse Mr. Ellicott is charged with is reprehensible, not least because he was in a position of authority," added Controller Greg Wagner. "The quick, coordinated efforts of DHR, the City Attorney’s Office, and the Controller’s Office have been effective — the City has already implemented new safeguards to close the payment controls loophole that allowed this to happen."

"Mr. Ellicott created a sophisticated scheme to enrich himself and betray the public trust," remarked City Attorney Chiu. "I am deeply offended by Mr. Ellicott’s alleged criminal conduct. But, I am proud of the swift action the City took to ensure this does not happen again. Collectively, we will make sure Mr. Ellicott pays back the funds he stole."

The reforms put in place aim to prevent fraud and abuse of City payment systems. DHR, in collaboration with the Controller’s Office and City Attorney’s Office, has implemented controls for the DHR’s claims enterprise system to mitigate such incidents in the future. Ellicott's unauthorized actions led to the siphoning off of $627,118 of worker’s compensation funds into a fake entity he created.

DHR worked with the City Attorney on administrative proceedings leading to the termination of Ellicott’s City employment and is cooperating fully with the District Attorney’s investigation. The joint efforts of the involved parties are focused on ensuring that such incidents do not occur again and holding those responsible accountable.