Oakland asked widow of slain officer to pay back $461 overpayment
OAKLAND, Calif. - The Oakland police union criticized the city Wednesday for trying to "claw back" payments from the widow of a slain police officer.
The city says it overpaid $461 to Officer Tuan Le during a ransomware attack and now wants to recoup the money from his widow, Sarah Fung’s pension and death benefits, according to the Oakland Police Officers Association.
"Your inhumane, outrageous, disgraceful, heartless, and unconscionable efforts, plans and demands for payment have deeply troubled Sarah and OPOA members," Union President Huy Nguyen wrote to city officials. "You should, given the circumstances, write off the $461. That is what any responsible government agency or leader would do."
"I just don't understand, this is the path that you really want to go down and spend this much time and effort for $461?" Nguyen told KTVU.
Rocky Lucia, a police union attorney said, "Because it's not just someone who owes $461 for parking citations. This is about a cop who was killed, who was murdered."
Le was fatally shot on Dec. 29 while responding to a burglary at a cannabis business along the city's Embarcadero.
Instead of allowing Fung to repay the sum, the police union said it collected $461 from its members to cover the debt.
"Here's a check for 461 dollars. Leave Sarah alone," Nguyen said.
The city of Oakland later told KTVU on Wednesday that it had waived the request for repayment after learning of the situation.
"There is no need for further action by Officer Le’s family, and we consider the matter closed," the city said. Adding, "The City stands with Officer Le’s family and apologizes for any distress or inconvenience this issue has caused for them, and we will continue our unwavering support."
During the ransomware attack last year, Oakland officials explained that the usual payroll system was not available, leading to overpayments.
Officer Le was among the 120 city employees who received extra funds due to the mishap.
The city said it has been following a "standardized process" to recover those overpayments.
Also on Wednesday, a judge ordered three men to stand trial on murder charges in Le's slaying and tossed a murder charge against a fourth defendant. All four men face a variety of other charges.
Henry Lee is a KTVU crime reporter. E-mail Henry at Henry.Lee@fox.com and follow him on Twitter @henrykleeKTVU and www.facebook.com/henrykleefan
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