Placentia Falls into Financial Chaos -- Again

Placentia usually doesn't come up in conversations about North Orange County, because the city is relatively small and doesn't host any iconic OC businesses or landmarks. Unfortunately, though, the city is gaining a reputation as a place afflicted by corruption. Over a decade ago, a redevelopment plan and railroad improvement project ended with the city $30 million in debt, and felony charges filed against city officials. And just as Placentia was getting out of that mess, authorities last week arrested financial manager Mike Nguyen on allegations of embezzling over $4 million of city funds into personal accounts. What is it about the city that attracts such scandals?