The FBI executed three search warrants Tuesday morning, including one at the Contra Costa County Assessor’s Office in Martinez, as part of an ongoing investigation, according to agency spokesperson Cameron Polan. The warrants also targeted two residences: one on Temple Drive in Pacheco and another on West Arlington Street in Martinez.
Polan declined to provide further details about the nature of the investigation.
The assessor’s office is responsible for assessing property values across Contra Costa County, producing an official assessment roll each year by July 1, auditing all businesses operating in the county, and maintaining over 12,000 maps for assessment purposes. County officials said they would continue to cooperate with the investigation but offered no additional information.
The search warrants come amid a backdrop of controversy surrounding the assessor’s office. For more than 30 years, Gus Kramer served as assessor for eight consecutive terms, facing several controversies.
In 2019, a Contra Costa County Civil Grand Jury sought his removal over alleged workplace harassment, but Kramer represented himself in court and won, avoiding ouster. In 2011, the county’s district attorney investigated land deals linked to Kramer, but no charges were filed.
Later, two deputy district attorneys alleged that former District Attorney Mark Peterson had suppressed the investigation to protect Kramer. Peterson resigned in 2017 after being charged with felony perjury for misusing campaign funds.
Kramer began his career with the Sheriff-Coroner’s Office before holding key roles in the Probation and Public Works Departments. He was elected Martinez City Clerk in 1986.
According to his campaign website, he worked in the assessor’s office for 20 years, most recently as assistant county assessor, the second-in-command. He endorsed his successor, Robb, in the recent June 2 primary election.
After the election, Robb posted a note on his campaign website expressing gratitude to supporters, saying, “I am grateful to you for believing in me and our campaign. Every time I asked, you stepped in and helped – and it made a difference.”
This is a developing story, and Richmondside will provide updates as more information becomes available.