Rialto Unified nutrition Services Supervisor Alleges evidence Tampering in Meal Count Audit
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A Rialto Unified Nutrition Services supervisor who went public wiht allegations that top managers had for years falsified student meal count numbers to receive more goverment subsidies now alleges that the district allowed evidence to be destroyed or removed during a forensic audit.
In a claim filed with the district on Oct. 3,Sarah Dunbar-Riley of Rialto also alleges whistleblower retaliation and harassment for first reporting the alleged corrupt practices in the Nutrition Services department in June 2023,then disclosing them publicly after the district allegedly covered them up.
Dunbar-Riley and several othre Nutrition Services employees who spoke on condition of anonymity went public with the allegations in December 2024, prompting an examination by the Southern California News Group. in March, newly appointed interim Superintendent Judy White commissioned a forensic audit of the department shortly after the board appointed her to the position. The audit and administrative investigation are ongoing.
Rialto Unified Nutrition Services Supervisor Sarah Dunbar-Riley, left, and Nutrition Services lead Agent Fausat Rahman-Davies, taken during a legislative conference in Washington, D.C., in 2023. (Courtesy photo)
From left, former Rialto Unified Nutrition Services Program Innovator Kristina Kraushaar, Nutrition Services Lead Agent Fausat Rahman-Davies, and former Nutrition Services Assistant Agent Maria Rangel, in this photo taken in March 2023 in Washington, D.C. (Courtesy photo)
Rialto Unified Nutrition services Lead Agent Fausat rahman-Davies, left, and Nutrition services Supervisor Sarah Dunbar-Riley, taken in Washington, D.C., in 2023. (Courtesy photo)
Rialto Unified school District Superintendent Under investigation for Alleged Evidence Tampering
The Rialto Unified School District (RUSD) in California is facing scrutiny following allegations that Superintendent Edwina Rahman-Davies removed documents related to an ongoing investigation into potential misconduct. The allegations,brought forth by the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office,center around concerns that evidence may have been compromised,potentially hindering the investigation’s progress. Publication Date: 2025/10/12 17:15:59
The Allegations and District Attorney’s Concerns
According to a court filing, the district Attorney’s Office expressed serious concerns about Rahman-Davies’ actions. The filing alleges that Rahman-Davies was permitted to retrieve personal belongings from her office after being placed on administrative leave. However, during this process, she reportedly removed documents relevant to the investigation.
Deputy District Attorney ron Webster stated in the filing that, “Anytime there are allegations that could be criminal misconduct, would secure the scene until the investigation is completed.The fact that they have been able to remove and move documents related to these allegations undermines the entire investigation.” San Bernardino Sun
What is Evidence Tampering?
Evidence tampering, also known as obstructing justice, is a serious offense. It generally involves altering, destroying, or concealing evidence with the intent to impede a legal investigation or proceeding. Depending on the jurisdiction and the specific actions taken, evidence tampering can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute
RUSD’s Response
Rialto Unified spokeswoman Syeda Jafri stated that the district allowed Rahman-Davies to retrieve personal belongings accumulated over the years, and that this retrieval was supervised by district personnel after hours.
“The district is unable to make any additional comments regarding this claim during litigation as all parties have been advised by counsel to refrain from public statements,” Jafri added. San Bernardino Sun
Current Status and Potential Implications
Rahman-Davies has not yet responded to requests for comment. The investigation is ongoing, and the District Attorney’s Office is evaluating the potential impact of the alleged evidence tampering on the case. The outcome of the investigation could have meaningful consequences for rahman-Davies and the Rialto Unified School District.
key Takeaways
- Superintendent Edwina Rahman-Davies is under investigation for allegedly removing documents related to an ongoing investigation into potential misconduct.
- the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office has expressed concerns that this action may have compromised the investigation.
- Rialto unified school District states that the document retrieval was supervised and involved only personal belongings.
- The investigation is ongoing, and the outcome could have serious implications.