Federal agents swept through the Martinez home and workplace of Contra Costa County Assessor Gus Kramer on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, also targeting the residence of his chosen successor, Vince Robb. The search warrants, signed June 4 by U.S.
Magistrate Judge Robert Illman, authorize investigators to hunt for evidence of wire fraud and other unspecified crimes. The raids, which included the assessor's office on Arnold Drive, come just days after Robb won the election to replace Kramer, who is stepping down after 32 years.
The FBI hasn't commented, but the timing has sparked speculation. Kramer, speaking outside his office, claimed that "low people in high places" are trying to weaponize the FBI to pressure his office over valuations of large estates.
The assessor has a long trail of controversies: in 2003, he forged a deed to save $21,000 in property taxes; in 2009, he was accused of overvaluing properties to retaliate against a developer; and in 2023, a former appraiser sued him for deliberately undervaluing a senior-housing complex by at least $3 million. The federal probe may be tied to a previous raid on political consultant Mary Jo Rossi, linked to DeNova Homes—a company whose executives face bribery charges in Antioch.
Robb's election opponent, Nick Spinner, called for transparency, saying he hopes the public gets clear answers through the proper process.