From California Post · · 1m 20s
Ex-49ers exec charged in $1.4M kickback scheme
Former San Francisco 49ers executive James Mercurio faces $1.4 million taxpayer kickback charges.
In brief
Former San Francisco 49ers executive James Mercurio faces $1.4 million taxpayer kickback charges. Former San Francisco 49ers executive James Mercurio charged with misappropriating $1.4 million in San Mateo County tax funds through a kickback scheme. Originally reported by California Post.
Former 49ers executive charged
Former San Francisco 49ers executive James Mercurio, 55, faces criminal charges for alleged $1.4 million taxpayer kickback scheme.
San Mateo DA calls scheme serious
San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe called the alleged scheme an 'extraordinarily serious' white-collar crime.
“extraordinarily serious”
Mercurio's alleged kickback scheme
Mercurio allegedly steered contracts to McLennan, who returned portions of $1 million in county tax funds to his friend rather than using all for construction.
County Event Center hired Mercurio
The county Event Center hired Mercurio in 2024 to oversee three construction projects each supported by $1 million in county tax dollars.
Alleged kickbacks total $1.4m
Prosecutors said alleged kickbacks to Mercurio totaled about $1.4 million over a year and a half.
Mercurio posted $750k bond
Mercurio posted a $750,000 bond after pleading not guilty to two counts of misappropriating public money and one count of embezzlement.
DA warns of oversight needs
San Mateo District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said government must 'trust but verify' taxpayer money with checks and balances.
“trust but verify”
The big picture
Former San Francisco 49ers executive James Mercurio charged with misappropriating $1.4 million in San Mateo County tax funds through a kickback scheme.
