Press Releases
Veterans affairs CEO suspended from duty
Under investgation for misconduct
The Associated Press
LOS ANGELES – The chief executive officer of the area’s veterans affairs health care system has been suspended from duty while federal officials investigate possible misconduct on his part.
Investigators would not elaborate on the case against 51-year-old Philip Thomas, who was reassigned to a VA office in Long Beach. No criminal charges have been filed, said Barbara Fallen, a West Coast VA spokeswoman.
Sources told the Los Angeles Times that the investigation is centered on a worker’s-disability claim made by Thomas. They said the suspension was ordered in late April.
Thomas was named head of Los Angeles veteran health care services three years ago. He was charged with finding a resolution over development of a 388-acre site west of the San Diego Freeway.
His suspension comes two days after Gov. Gray Davis announced plans to build a state nursing home for veterans at the site.
The project, supported by state Assembly Speaker Herb Wesson, D-Culver City, drew criticism as veterans in Ventura County and Lancaster said that a new home could cause such facilities planned for their areas to be scaled back.
