Top County Political Staffer Charged in Conflict of Interest Scandal

By David Taub, Senior Reporter

Published 4 years ago on

October 17, 2020

A top staff for a Fresno County supervisor is accused of working on both sides of a county contract.

Steven Rapada, the chief of staff for District 5 Supervisor Sal Quintero, was charged with one count of conflict of interest. If convicted, he faces a penalty of up to three years in prison.

According to the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office, Rapada had a personal financial interest in a contract he helped negotiate.

Former Reedley Councilman

Rapada is a former Reedley councilman. He once ran for supervisor himself, finishing fourth in 2014 in the race eventually won by Buddy Mendes.

Quintero said he could not comment because it was a personnel matter.

Sources told GV Wire that Rapada has been on administrative leave from his county job for some time.

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David Taub,

Senior Reporter

Curiosity drives David Taub. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read. Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl. When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue! You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email