Federal agents executed three search warrants Tuesday targeting a California county assessor’s office and homes of top officials, marking a significant public corruption investigation that could affect property valuations for 380,000 parcels across Contra Costa County.
Federal Agents Target Tax Officials
The FBI descended on the Contra Costa County Assessor’s Office in Martinez, along with the residences of County Assessor Gus Kramer and Assistant Assessor Vince Robb. Agents sought evidence related to wire fraud and other potential offenses according to sealed warrants signed by a federal magistrate judge. No criminal charges have been announced. The office determines tax bills for hundreds of thousands of homeowners and businesses throughout the county.
Kramer dismissed the investigation while speaking with reporters from the lobby as agents searched his workplace. He claimed the probe targeted property valuations on large parcels and suggested low-level individuals weaponized federal law enforcement. Kramer confirmed agents raided his home before arriving at the office, stating investigators could have simply requested documents rather than executing warrants.
History of Serious Accusations
This investigation represents the latest controversy surrounding Kramer’s tenure. In 2009, Contra Costa County paid nearly one million dollars to settle claims from a worker who alleged Kramer retaliated against her after she accused him of sexual harassment. The Democrat-controlled Board of Supervisors censured him following those allegations.
A 2019 Contra Costa County Civil Grand Jury filed formal accusations of willful or corrupt misconduct against Kramer. Female employees reported unwanted sexual remarks and racial disparagement. The subsequent trial ended in mistrial, allowing Kramer to remain in his position despite the serious allegations from multiple county workers.
Retaliation Claims and Taxpayer Costs
More recently, a county employee alleged retaliation after she raised concerns about property appraisals and pushed for correct higher valuations. The county settled her lawsuit in January 2026, forcing taxpayers to cover the financial consequences of the alleged misconduct. Assistant Assessor Vince Robb, whose home was also searched Tuesday, was recently elected to replace Kramer as county assessor. The FBI declined to provide details about the specific focus of the wire fraud investigation or timeline for potential charges.