#Armando Orozco #Stockton Unified #Whistleblower

Whistleblower Armando Orozco's Legal Battle Against Stockton Unified School District

In a significant legal move, Armando Orozco has filed a lawsuit against the Stockton Unified School District (SUSD), after facing extensive humiliation and retaliation as a whistleblower. The suit alleges serious claims including disability discrimination and a failure to prevent harassment stemming from his efforts to expose corrupt practices within the district.

Background of the Case

Orozco, who began his tenure as Director of Facilities at SUSD in 2021, came to the position armed with over 25 years of experience in public school facility management. He was immediately confronted with various regulatory and legal infractions that he believed warranted immediate attention.

One of the most alarming issues he encountered was a corruption within the bidding process for the new Ultraviolet C (UVC) protectant system. Despite his knowledge and insight, when Orozco pointed out that officials were disregarding the lowest bids, he was reportedly met with stark warnings to remain silent. The implication was clear: powerful board members had personal stakes in ensuring the contract went to a specific company, thereby undermining transparency and fairness in the procurement process. Orozco’s attorney, Derek Ulmer, articulated the situation succinctly, expressing deep concern that Orozco’s goal was to ensure responsible spending practices that would benefit both taxpayers and students.

Whistleblower Retaliation

The repercussions Orozco faced for standing his ground were severe. According to the lawsuit, SUSD’s management prioritized his dismissal by instigating a baseless police raid on his residence. This situation escalated further when documents from confidential meetings were leaked to the media, compounding the harassment he experienced in the workplace. His attorneys assert that SUSD’s actions not only damaged his career but also severely affected his personal life.