In a surprising turn of events, federal agencies, including Homeland Security and the IRS, have shut down Viva Supermarkets, a chain of grocery stores owned by Sacramento City Councilman Sean Loloee. The operation took place on Thursday, with agents from both departments conducting raids across four Viva supermarket locations in Sacramento County.
The agents were seen removing electronic devices and boxes from the premises, indicating a thorough investigation. John A. Pearl, a spokesperson for the IRS, confirmed that the operation was an “authorized criminal enforcement activity.” However, he refrained from providing further details, citing the need to protect all parties involved, including the agents and subjects of the investigation.
Three Viva Supermarkets in the Sacramento area, which are owned by councilmember Sean Lololee, have been the center of a lawsuit and three investigations dating back to 2009.https://t.co/9Zh4VaoVWN
— FOX40 News (@FOX40) October 27, 2023
Signs reading “Sorry Temporarily Closed” were displayed outside the Viva Supermarkets locations at 3845 Marysville Blvd. in Sacramento and 10385 Folsom Blvd. in Rancho Cordova. Homeland Security agents were spotted inside the closed stores. Red tape reading “U.S. Customs and Border Protection” and “Evidence — Do not open” was visible at the Rancho Cordova location, further emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
This is not the first time Councilman Loloee has come under scrutiny. He has been investigated three times by federal prosecutors since 2009. The allegations against him include violations of federal minimum wage, overtime compensation, record-keeping, and child labor laws. A follow-up investigation in 2020 found that he allegedly violated these laws again.
Federal and state agents were spotted at a North Sacramento supermarket in what was described by a Homeland Security spokesperson as part of “law enforcement activity” involving several agencies.https://t.co/UEnHNE18ba
— FOX40 News (@FOX40) October 26, 2023
The third investigation went further, alleging that Loloee coerced his employees into compliance. This raises serious concerns about the councilman’s business practices and his respect for the law. It also brings into question his ability to serve as a public official while facing such serious allegations.
Following the raid, Loloee was noticeably unavailable for comment. His office clarified that the issue at hand is related to the councilman’s personal businesses and is not connected to his work at City Hall. This statement, however, does little to alleviate the concerns of the public who elected him to office.
In conclusion, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of holding our public officials accountable.
It is crucial that those in positions of power are held to the same standards as ordinary citizens. The ongoing investigation into Councilman Loloee’s business practices will hopefully shed more light on the situation and ensure justice is served.
