(MARTINEZ, CA.) — June 9, 2026 — Federal agents swarmed the Contra Costa County Assessor's Office Tuesday morning, turning a normally quiet day at the Martinez government center into the focus of a growing FBI investigation that has reached the county's highest property tax officials.
Federal agents ended up searching not only the county office, but also the homes of County Assessor Gus Kramer and Assistant Assessor Vince Robb, according to multiple reports. The coordinated searches have sparked questions across Contra Costa County about what federal investigators are looking for and what it could mean for one of the county's most important government departments.
The FBI confirmed that agents were conducting court-authorized searches but declined to discuss details of the investigation. No arrests were made, and no criminal charges have been announced.
Still, the sight of federal agents entering the Assessor’s Office sent shockwaves through county government.
The Assessor’s Office is responsible for determining property values throughout Contra Costa County; decisions that directly affect property tax bills and help generate revenue for schools, public safety agencies, and local government services.
According to reports citing federal court documents, investigators are seeking evidence related to possible wire fraud and other potential violations. Authorities have not publicly explained what prompted the investigation or whether it centers on specific property assessments, financial transactions, or administrative actions within the department.
For many residents, the raid immediately revived memories of past controversies surrounding the office. Kramer, a longtime public official who is preparing to leave office later this year, has faced criticism and scrutiny over management issues and decisions made during his tenure. Whether those past concerns are connected to the federal investigation remains unclear.
The involvement of Robb, who was elected to replace Kramer, adds another layer of uncertainty. As the assessor-elect, Robb was expected to lead the department into its next chapter. Tuesday's developments now place the future leadership of the office under an unexpected spotlight.
County officials have so far offered few details, saying only that they are cooperating with federal authorities. Operations at the Assessor’s Office continued throughout the day, and officials indicated that public services would remain available.
Legal experts caution that search warrants alone should not be viewed as evidence of wrongdoing. Federal investigators must demonstrate probable cause to a judge before obtaining a warrant, but a search does not automatically lead to criminal charges.
Even so, federal raids involving elected officials are rare and often signal that investigators believe important evidence may exist.
For now, many key questions remain unanswered.
What exactly are investigators examining?
How long has the investigation been underway?
And will the searches ultimately result in criminal charges or other enforcement actions?
Until federal authorities provide additional information, residents are left watching closely as one of the county’s most significant political and legal stories continues to unfold.
What is certain is that Tuesday's FBI action has placed the Contra Costa County Assessor’s Office under an intense public spotlight—and the repercussions could be felt long after the agents have gone home.
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