The Montebello City Council meeting on October 23, 2024, was dominated by a critical review of the investigation into Council Member David Torres, conducted in 2022. The session revealed significant inconsistencies and procedural concerns regarding how the investigation was handled, raising questions about its integrity.

City Manager and City Attorney presented findings from an executive summary prepared by investigator Keith Kilmer, who was tasked with examining the original investigation. Kilmer highlighted that the initial report lacked specificity in its findings, particularly regarding alleged misconduct by Torres. He noted that while the JL Group's report indicated misconduct, it failed to cite specific rules or policies that Torres allegedly violated. Instead, it broadly suggested that Torres had engaged in inappropriate interactions with city staff.

Kilmer pointed out that the presentation made to the council in May 2022 included provocative language that was not part of the original findings, suggesting a potential bias in how the investigation was communicated to the council. He expressed concern over ongoing communications between complainants and the investigator, which could compromise the objectivity of the investigation.

Further complicating matters, it was revealed that there was no retainer agreement between the city and the special counsel involved in the investigation, raising legal and ethical questions about the process. City officials indicated that they had been unable to obtain necessary documentation, including the retainer agreement, which is typically required for legal representation.

The meeting underscored the need for transparency and accountability in municipal investigations, as council members grappled with the implications of the findings. The council is expected to deliberate on the next steps regarding the investigation and its impact on Torres's position.