By Emilie St. John
Contributing Writer
COMPTON — The city has concluded its investigation into credit card abuse allegations, prompting a member of the City Council to reimburse the city for some expenses.
District 2 Councilman Andre Spicer was under increased scrutiny after his credit card charges became public in late 2025. At the heart of the matter were a series of purchases that were believed to have fallen outside of the authorized parameters of use.
“A limited number of transactions currently lack supporting documentation [and] at the time I believed all required materials had been submitted in accordance with city procedures; however, I no longer have independent records to verify those specific items,” Spicer in a statement published to his social media accounts.
“I fully acknowledge the importance of strict adherence to the city’s financial policies and the necessity of complete and accurate documentation, particularly when public funds are involved,” Spicer wrote.
Spicer admitted he didn’t recognize some of the charges.
“I do not recognize all of the listed charges, and there are indications that the card information may have been compromised, potentially involving fraudulent activity,” Spicer said.
He says he remains committed to accountability and transparency.
“To eliminate any uncertainty and to address this matter responsibly, I have chosen to reimburse the city for transactions that cannot be fully substantiated at this time,” Spicer added.
He posted a copy of a $513.92 money order made payable to the city. It is not known whether that figure includes charges he didn’t recognize.
The reimbursement might not be permitted under current state law.
California Government Code Section 87460, which falls under the Political Reform Act, prohibits an elected official from receiving personal loans of over $250 from subordinates, employees, or consultants within their agency from election until leaving office. It also restricts loans from individuals with contracts with the official’s agency.
The reimbursement could also be a violation of misappropriation of public funds under California Penal Code 424, which describes the misuse of public funds as a felony.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office is considering whether the reimbursement is a violation of state law.
Compton Mayor Emma Sharif provided the following statement:
“The city of Compton takes all allegations involving the use of public funds and public resources very seriously and remains committed to transparency, accountability, and maintaining the public’s trust,” Sharif said. “The City Council requested an independent investigation into allegations regarding city credit card usage to ensure the matter was reviewed thoroughly and objectively.”
“The investigation report was not forwarded to the City Council until April 28, the day after Acting City Manager Jerry Groomes was appointed. The council is currently reviewing the report, its findings, and the available options and implications under city policies and procedures,” Sharif continued. The council will continue to evaluate the matter carefully and take any actions it determines are appropriate and consistent with city policy and applicable law.”
In December 2024, the City Council approved a resolution authorizing the city manager to establish the city’s purchasing card accounts through the state’s Cal-Card Program.
Under that program, elected officials’ use of purchasing cards is restricted to travel and training use only. When the elected official is not traveling or training, the Cal-Card should be maintained in the possession of the designated Cal-Card account manager for safekeeping purposes.”
In multiple public statements made by Spicer addressing his credit card usage, he admitted that some of the purchases fall outside of the policy. He used the card to pay for a rap star’s travel expenses for a daddy-daughter dance and community outreach expenses.
The district attorney’s office confirmed it is reviewing a complaint against a member of the Compton City Council over their use of the city’s credit card and campaign funds.
The complaint was dated Dec. 3.
Emilie St. John is a freelance journalist covering the areas of Carson, Compton, Inglewood and Willowbrook. Send tips to her at emiliesaintjohn@gmail.com.
