PREVIOUSLY: Fortuna City Council Member Kris Mobley Resigns as FBI Investigates Embezzlement and Theft Allegations, According to City Officials

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Fortuna city officials were aware of the FBI’s investigation into former Councilmember Kris Mobley more than two months before she resigned from the position amid allegations of theft and embezzlement. 

Mobley | Photo: City of Fortuna.

“The FBI contacted the city in mid-November,” Fortuna City Manager Amy Nilsen wrote in an emailed response to the Outpost’s request for more information. “There is no way for the City to clearly answer how or what prompted the FBI’s involvement in this particular investigation. The totality of the FBI’s investigation and details … have not been shared to this point.”

The City of Fortuna issued a press release just before 5 p.m. on Wednesday informing the community of an “ongoing FBI Investigation involving Kris Mobley,” emphasizing that the “alleged conduct under investigation pertains solely to [her] private conduct and does not involve city business.” 

Mobley submitted a letter of resignation to city officials just a few hours before the press release was issued. The emailed resignation reads as follows:

Good afternoon, 

I am submitting my resignation from City Council, effective immediately. I am sure that you are all aware of the rumors going around. Although I have not been charged with anything I am aware of the backlash that the city has been getting. This is my battle to fight not the city’s - I am sorry that you’ve been dragged into the middle of this. It’s been a pleasure working with each of you. I wish nothing but the best for the City and each of you. 

If you need to get ahold of me my new number is [REDACTED].

Sincerely, Kris Mobley

Asked whether Mobley had access to municipal funds during her two years on the city council, Nilsen emphasized that council members “do not have access to or accounts with City bank accounts and are not authorized City check signers.” Moreover, the city has “a series of checks and balances” in place to prevent fraudulent activity. “One of these checks and balances is a government-mandated independent annual audit that reviews city expenditures,” she added.

Mobley is listed as a business manager for Fortuna-based Beacom Construction Co. on her LinkedIn page, though the Outpost could not verify whether she still works for the company. A phone message and email seeking more information from Beacom’s owner, David Morris, had not been returned by publication time. A phone number listed online for Mobley was no longer in service, and she did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent via Facebook Messenger.

Reached for additional comment, FBI spokesperson Cameron Polan confirmed that the FBI has an “ongoing investigation” into the allegations against Mobley but said the bureau is “unable to provide any additional details at this time.”

At next week’s regular meeting, the Fortuna City Council will discuss next steps for filling the vacant council seat. The council could make an immediate appointment, make an appointment through an application solicitation process or hold a special election. Staff will recommend the second option, Nilsen said.

The Fortuna City Council will meet at 6 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 3, in council chambers at City Hall – 621 11th Street in Fortuna.