In a powerful and emotional press conference, Armando Orozco courageously stepped forward to set the record straight after being wrongfully accused of corruption by misleading articles and public statements. Hired by Stockton Unified School District (SUSD) in July 2021 as the Director of Facilities and Maintenance, Orozco brought with him over 25 years of experience in school facilities and construction. His dedication to ensuring the proper use of resources and upholding integrity within the district soon led him to uncover serious issues, including the mishandling of procurement processes, improper management of funds, and irregularities within the bidding systems for vital construction projects, such as the installation of new air purification systems.
However, rather than being commended for his commitment to transparency and doing what was right, Orozco was met with resistance from district leadership. His repeated efforts to address these concerns, reaching out to his supervisors and the appropriate authorities, were dismissed and discouraged. He was told, “Let it go,” and warned that speaking out could lead to disastrous consequences for the district. Instead of taking corrective action, the district chose to retaliate against him, resulting in a year-long suspension under the false premise of his “safety,” leaving Orozco in professional limbo, unable to return to work and increasingly isolated. Throughout this period, he and his family were subjected to threats, leaving Orozco facing the daunting task of defending his integrity while also protecting those he loved.
This press conference was a pivotal moment for Orozco to clear his name and seek justice in the face of adversity. The articles published about him, falsely portraying him as a corrupt official, had lasting and devastating effects on his career and personal life. Orozco sought to expose the truth and hold the individuals responsible for spreading false accusations accountable. His message was clear: corruption and malfeasance must be addressed, but the innocent should not be made scapegoats in the process.
Orozco’s fight was not just about one man’s struggle to restore his reputation—it was about ensuring accountability within institutions that manage taxpayer dollars and hold public trust. Whistleblowers like Orozco are essential in exposing wrongdoing, especially when the systems in place to oversee such actions fail to do so. The people in power must be held to the same standards of integrity that they demand of others. Orozco believed that for the district to truly serve its students and the community, they had to confront the truth, implement the necessary reforms, and rebuild the trust that had been broken.
As a firm, Goyette, Ruano & Thompson stood firmly alongside Armando Orozco in his pursuit of truth and justice. We were committed to helping him clear his name, fighting against the false narratives that were perpetuated, and advocating for a system where truth and accountability were valued above all else.
Orozco’s story was one of resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to integrity, no matter the personal cost. We stand with him in his mission to expose the truth, restore his professional life, and ensure that justice prevails for the students, staff, and families of Stockton Unified School District.
If you are facing a legal challenge involving whistleblower retaliation, wrongful accusations, or any other complex legal matters, Goyette, Ruano & Thompson is here to help. Our firm specializes in advocating for individuals and businesses who need strong legal representation in matters of integrity, transparency, and justice. We are committed to delivering results for clients facing adversity. Contact us today to learn how our experienced team can guide you through challenging legal situations with confidence and care. Let us help you protect your rights and pursue justice, just as we’ve done for clients like Armando Orozco.