OC Water Utility President Resigns, Admits Guilt in Election Fraud

Title: Moulton Niguel Water District President Resigns Amid Guilty Plea for Residency Fraud

In a notable political development, Duane Cave, the president of the Moulton Niguel Water District in Orange County, resigned following a guilty plea for falsifying his residency in order to secure re-election. Cave acknowledged his wrongdoing on November 10, 2024, when he admitted to misrepresenting his address on nomination paperwork, a requirement for candidates to qualify for office. This revelation not only raises questions about the integrity of local governance but also highlights the stringent residency requirements designed to ensure that elected officials genuinely represent their constituents.

Duane Cave had been a fixture on the Moulton Niguel Board of Directors for a decade, advocating for projects related to wastewater treatment and sustainable water policies. His work was recognized as essential in maintaining the district’s operational efficiency as well as environmental responsibility. However, the recent allegations significantly tarnished his reputation. Prosecutors asserted that Cave, while claiming to reside within the district’s boundaries—which covers communities like Laguna Niguel and Dana Point—had actually been living with his wife, former mayor Carol Gamble, in Rancho Santa Margarita, having rented out his home in Aliso Viejo since October 2022. Cave’s initial election, which secured him a position through 2028, has now been overshadowed by these legal troubles.

The Orange County District Attorney’s Office began investigating Cave based on a resident’s complaint received in October 2024. The investigation focused on the legitimacy of his nomination papers, which were submitted on July 19, 2024. During that time, Cave’s monthly salary exceeded $34,000, supplemented by over $24,000 in benefits. The financial implications of his position make the alleged misconduct even more troubling, as it raises concerns about accountability among public officials who oversee essential local services.

Cave’s attorney, Paul Meyer, indicated that the plea deal was entered into to avoid a prolonged trial that could disrupt the district’s operations. This unusual agreement, referred to as a "People v. West misdemeanor plea," allowed Cave to acknowledge the plea for practical reasons without admitting guilt. Meyer maintains that Cave’s legal standing supports his innocence regarding the allegations. Nonetheless, the district attorney’s office, led by Todd Spitzer, made it clear that elected officials must reside in the areas they represent, emphasizing Cave’s disqualification to serve based on residency discrepancies.

Further complicating matters, Carol Gamble, who previously served as mayor, also faced similar accusations of election malpractice. She pleaded guilty to falsifying nomination paperwork for her candidacy for the Rancho Santa Margarita City Council, having claimed to collect signatures that were later proven invalid. Despite her intentions to run, Gamble suspended her campaign due to the ongoing legal issues. Her plea agreement included community service, probation, and restitution, marking a striking fall from grace for a longtime public figure.

The ramifications of Cave’s and Gamble’s actions extend beyond personal consequences; they highlight the critical nature of maintaining integrity in public office. These incidents may lead to increased scrutiny of election processes and residency claims, ensuring that future candidates adhere to strict guidelines. The Moulton Niguel Water District has not provided a formal statement regarding the situation, leaving constituents with lingering questions about governance and accountability.

In sum, the resignation of Duane Cave serves as a cautionary tale for public officials regarding the importance of transparency and adherence to legal standards. As communities rely on elected representatives to act in their best interests, cases like this serve to reinforce the necessity for rigorous compliance with residency regulations. Moving forward, constituents will be keenly observing changes in governance and policies at the Moulton Niguel Water District, fostering a renewed commitment to ethical representation and responsibility.