The saga of CapRadio's legal tussle with its former general manager, Jun Reina, has taken a new turn as settlement discussions reportedly gain traction. This development follows the allegations that Reina misappropriated nearly $900,000 for lavish personal expenses including stays at high-end hotels and home renovations. With the potential resolution on the horizon, both parties are seemingly closing in on agreeing to terms that could conclude the civil dispute which began with the filing of a lawsuit in Yolo County Superior Court, as reported by Hoodline.
The forensic audit that ensued unearthed around $470,000 in expenses that CapRadio paid, but lacked substantiating documentation. Among these were charges for flights, fine dining, and other personal indulgences made with the radio station’s funds. Reina, serving as the general manager and president from 2020 to 2023, is accused of directly transferring $372,000 into his personal accounts and spending over $100,000 for home improvements. CapRadio's actions thereafter, aiming to recover misappropriated funds, led to the layoff of 12% of their staff and the cancellation of four music programs, according to Hoodline.
Despite the severity of the allegations, Reina's defense has presented the argument that any financial mishandling was done in "good faith and was unintentional," as stated in court documents obtained by The Sacramento Bee. Furthermore, Reina’s legal counsel has cited the statute of limitations in their defense, arguing that certain claims may be time-barred based on the California Code of Civil Procedure.
As CapRadio continues its recovery from the financial strain imposed by the scandal, its leadership stresses the importance of accountability. Chris Bruno, CapRadio's Chief Marketing and Revenue Officer, expressed the station's dedication to integrity, saying "CapRadio continues to pursue all avenues necessary to ensure that there is proper remediation and accountability for past actions that have impacted the station." Bruno added that CapRadio is committed to the community which "has stood by us and deserves nothing less," in an interview obtained by Hoodline. While the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office has concluded its embezzlement investigation and submitted findings to the district attorney's office, the Sacramento County District Attorney's Office has yet to decide whether to bring charges against Reina, as noted by The Sacramento Bee.
