LAT:
The indictment does not name the water district, but in 2018, [California's Attorney General] announced the arrest and filing of felony charges against five individuals for the misuse of public funds amid widespread corruption at the district.
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The water theft scheme began in 1992, according to the federal indictment.
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In April 2015, drought lowered the canals’ water level enough for the pipe, lid and drain turnout to be discovered by authorities, according to the indictment.