Photo Credit: YouTube / County Assessor Gus Kramer (left)
(MARTINEZ, CA.) – As previously reported by OpGov.News, federal agents executed multiple search warrants in Contra Costa County on June 9, targeting the homes and headquarters of the county’s top property tax officials.
The FBI confirmed a raid at the County Assessor’s Office in Martinez, alongside a search of long-serving County Assessor Gus Kramer's home. Reports indicate a third federal warrant was also served at Assistant County Assessor Vince Robb’s house in Pacheco.
Tuesday's raid kept the Assessor’s Office closed for most of the day as agents searched through files until late afternoon. While the FBI declined to comment on the case, Kramer told reporters the warrant mentioned potential wire fraud, noting that the investigation seems to be tied to local property valuations.
Kramer denied any wrongdoing, blaming the federal raid on political rivals and dismissing the investigation as a politically motivated “fishing expedition” stemming from what he called “drama and trauma.” Pointing to his upcoming retirement, he stated he has served in his role for 32 years.
“I have been investigated more times than not, and every time, I am exonerated,” Kramer said. “My problem is… I know more, I know too much! They would really like me to go away.”
Federal agents also targeted the home of Assistant Assessor Vince Robb, Kramer’s recently elected successor.
To see why an FBI raid here is such a big deal, you have to look at the Assessor’s role. They don't actually collect taxes; they set the value on every single piece of taxable property in the county.
Property taxes, which are determined by the Assessor’s Office valuations, provide the primary funding for public schools, road repairs, and emergency services.
Any time assessments are inaccurate or delayed by an investigation, it puts a target on the funding that local residents rely on for vital services.
California’s Prop 13 is designed to keep property assessments predictable and fair. When the system is mismanaged, everyone loses; local residents end up with inflated tax bills, and it costs the county millions.
When the Assessor’s office faces delays, the community feels it immediately. Delays don't just stall local real estate transactions; they hold up essential tax relief for homeowners, nonprofits, and disabled veterans who depend on those exemptions.
The County Board of Supervisors can’t fire or suspend Gus Kramer because he’s an elected official. However, Kristi Jourdan, a spokesperson for Contra Costa County, said in a statement that the “Board is focused on ensuring the integrity of the assessment process and will explore all available options for its continued operation and delivery of services.”
Until the federal probe wraps up, local officials have no choice but to wait, leaving Kramer in office until his scheduled retirement at the end of the year.
If you have any questions or comments, please email me at kathleen.p@lead4earth.org or comment below.
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