The Manny Acosta Investigation.
What did Manny Acosta do with City Hall computers, equipment, and office space?
A July 21, 2026, administrative investigation into South El Monte Councilmember Manny Acosta concluded that he used City resources for personal activities unrelated to his official responsibilities.
Read the investigation report
What did the
investigation find?
City computers used for outside employment.
Investigators found evidence that Manny Acosta used his City-issued laptop and a shared City Hall computer for work related to his separate employment as an instructor at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College.
The investigation also sustained the allegation involving his use of City Council office space for personal purposes.
Political campaign and election activity on City equipment.
A forensic examination identified activity on City devices related to the 2022 and 2024 elections and political campaigns.
The report did not establish that every such activity constituted an unlawful campaign expenditure.
He had received training about the rules.
Acosta indicated that he had not been instructed about restrictions on personal use of City resources until February 2025.
However, investigators documented relevant training in 2018, 2023, and 2024.
What Manny Acosta told investigators.
When discussing whether councilmembers should be held to the same standards as City employees, Acosta stated:
“I believe the City Councilmembers have a lot more freedom.”
He also stated:
“I believe we can use it for anything we want.”
These statements were documented in the investigation.
The investigation’s conclusion.
“The greater weight of credible evidence indicated that Mr. Acosta did utilize City resources, specifically his City-issued laptop, shared desktop computer, and City Council Office, for personal use and subsequently this allegation is sustained.”
Five questions
for Manny Acosta.
- Why did you use City computers and office space for activities related to your outside employment?
- What explains the campaign- and election-related activity investigators found on City devices?
- Why did you use City resources for personal business after receiving training about restrictions on their use?
- Do you believe elected officials should follow the same rules as City employees when using public resources?
- Will you provide a full accounting of your personal use of City resources and reimburse the City for any costs determined to be owed?
Read the report.
Examine the evidence.
Residents should have access to the documents behind the investigation’s findings.
Administrative Investigation
Report of Findings
In the Matter of Manny Acosta
City of South El Monte