Independent Cities Association, ICA, has announced a pre-trial date-setting conference for the charge of embezzlement against former West Hollywood commissioner Mr. Tai Sunnanon, which will be on June 6th at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Courts Building downtown L.A. The single count of embezzlement charge was filed in May of 2022.
“We are pushing hard for a conviction on this case,” said President of ICA, Nils Nehrenheim. “As a steward of public funds and public trust, we take the responsibility seriously and are pursuing this issue to the very end.”
ICA is asking that any information on Mr. Sunnanon’s past activities that are related to this case, or can support the issue of fraud or embezzlement be sent to the District Attorney’s office at [email protected]. Correspondence should specify that the information relates to the Tai Sunnanon case being handled by the Public Integrity Division.
Tai Sunnanon served as the Executive Director of ICA from August 2018 until September 2019, when he resigned. President Nehrenheim took his position as Treasurer in October 2019 and quickly did an audit of all finances, accounts, and valuables as per the organization’s policies in place. After noticing accounting irregularities, and online account issues Mr. Nehrenheim did a thorough investigation and found that nearly $50,000 was embezzled from an ICA account through online transfers. After an exhaustive documentation process, a Sheriff’s report was filed in January of 2021 which has led to these charges being filed.
Sunnanon’s term on the West Hollywood Public Facilities Commission expired on Feb. 28, 2021, along with all other city commissioners and advisory board members as part of the appointment process every two years.
ICA is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, public benefit corporation created in 1960. It is made up of 41 member cities in the Southern California area. The organization focuses on public safety, education, legislative advocacy, intergovernmental relationships, and other major issues that transcend the boundaries of its member cities. ICA holds two Annual Seminars bringing together city council members, other city officials, and business partners for the purpose of collaboration, networking, and knowledge exchange. The Winter Seminar (held in January) addresses public safety and the Summer Seminar (held in June)
focuses on contemporary issues.
