10/16/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Office of Mayor Christina Fugazi
City of Stockton
Phone: (209) 937-8386
Email: [email protected]
October 15, 2026
INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION CLEARS MAYOR'S STAFF
Independent findings contradict public accusations of political misconduct and attempted manipulation of Stockton's election process. All three allegations against Mayor's staff member Jason Teramoto found not sustained
STOCKTON, CA. - For months, Councilmember Jason Lee has promoted allegations portraying Mayor Christina Fugazi's office and its employees as unethical, politically compromised, and engaged in election interference.
An independent investigation has now examined the allegations at the center of that narrative.
Not one of the three allegations investigated was sustained. The September 28, 2026, investigation conducted by independent attorney Gregory Taylor examined claims by former City Clerk Katherine Roland that Mayor's Public Information Officer Jason Teramoto attempted to improperly influence election procedures involving Lee's sister, Tamica Small; enlist the City Clerk in political activity; and manipulate City Council procedures against Lee.
After examining witness testimony, the investigator found no evidence to substantiate any of the three allegations. The investigation established that Teramoto asked questions concerning election procedures. It did not establish that he pressured the Clerk into improper action, attempted to interfere in an election, or directed changes to Council procedures.
Asking questions is not election interference. Political disagreement is not corruption. And despite Jason Lee’s poorly thought out strategy, repeating an accusation does not make it true.
"Councilmember Lee has spent months demanding accountability from everyone around him while advancing allegations against my office and its employees," said Mayor Christina Fugazi. "Now that an independent investigation has failed to substantiate those allegations, the question is whether he [Lee] will hold himself to the same standard he demands of others."
"Public employees should never have their professional reputations sacrificed for political theater," Fugazi continued. "Jason Teramoto was subjected to serious accusations that an independent investigation could not substantiate. The public deserves to hear those findings just as clearly as it heard the original allegations."
The Mayor emphasized that legitimate complaints must always be taken seriously and independently examined. But elected officials also bear responsibility for distinguishing allegations from established facts, particularly when their statements can damage reputations and undermine public confidence.
"Accountability is not a political weapon reserved for your opponents," Fugazi concluded. "Councilmember Lee demanded an investigation. He put my staff in harm’s way while doing it. Now that the investigation has reached its findings; he [Lee] should now demonstrate the same commitment to transparency by publicly acknowledging them."
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