View Garden Grove Planning Commissioner Arrested (PDF)

PRESS RELEASE

DATE: August 12, 2020

SUBJECT: Fraud / Grand theft Arrest

LOCATION OF OCCURRENCE: Euclid St / Trask Ave

DATE/TIME OF OCCURRENCE: August 11, 2020 / 9:36 AM

SUSPECT: Nguyen, Man Jordan, 47-years-old, resident of Garden Grove

NARRATIVE:

Garden Grove Police Detectives have been investigating a grand theft case for the past several months where Nguyen was identified as a suspect. A Garden Grove homeowner signed a contract with Nguyen and gave him $4000 in October-November 2019. The homeowner alleged Nguyen said he was a licensed architect and was also a current member of the City of Garden Grove Planning Commission. The contract was for blueprints and to have them submitted for final approval with the City. The victim alleged Nguyen said he would be able to get the plans pushed through and approved because of his position on the City of Garden Grove Planning Commission.
The homeowner said the contracted work was never performed and plans were never submitted to the City for approval. The homeowner’s repeated attempts to resolve the matter were never answered. The Garden Grove Police Department was contacted and a crime report was filed in April 2020.

Detectives learned Nguyen is not a California licensed architect nor has he ever been licensed to perform architect work in California. Nguyen received $4000 for architect work that was never completed and submitted. Based on this investigation, Nguyen was arrested by detectives on 8-11-2020. He was booked at Orange County Jail.
At the time of this investigation Nguyen was a member of the City of Garden Grove Planning Commission. Commission positions are volunteer positions and are appointed by Garden Grove City Council members. The Planning Commission reviews proposed development projects and participates with developing and maintaining the City’s General Plan, and makes recommendations to the City Council on plans, policies, standards, and design guidelines for development of land uses consistent with the goals of the City (GGMC 2.24.100).
During the regular City Council meeting on 08/11/2020, Commissioner Nguyen was removed from his position by the City Council.
Garden Grove Police Detectives are seeking additional victims that may have had similar involvements with Nguyen. Please contact Detective Stroud at 714-741-5840.

Prepared by Rich Burillo, Lieutenant

Carl Whitney, Lieutenant
Professional Standards Division / PIO
O: 714.741.5786 W/C: 714.741.5871
24 Hour: 714.741.5704