(California County News)

PLACERVILLE, CALIFORNIA, June 5, 2022 — The Placer County Board of Supervisors has fired County Executive Officer Todd Leopold following an investigation into a Workplace Discrimination and Harassment complaint from a county employee.

“The Board does not take this decision lightly,” supervisors said in a statement. “The Board’s decision was in the best interests of the County taxpayers and the County employees following the information revealed during the investigation.”

According to the Board of Supervisors, the decision was not related to the vehicle accident involving Mr. Leopold and Anthony Williams that occurred on March 19, 2022. Since the accident, there has been speculation about Leopold’s actions, as well as those of the police department.

In May, after much speculation, Leopold confirmed that he was the driver who fatally struck the 18-year-old Inderkum High School student. Williams was walking along Lonetree Boulevard and Adams Drive in Rocklin at approximately 8:30 p.m. when Leopold hit him with his car.

An investigation by Rocklin Police determined that Leopold was not at fault. Police said he stayed at the scene and cooperated with the investigation. However, members of the community and media have criticized the department for a lack of transparency. On May 18, the Sacramento Bee reported that Leopold had a history of speeding and was once charged with a DUI.

Williams has been described as “amazing, just full of life, full of love.” He was a star basketball player at Inderkum. Numerous protests have been held since his death, with community members demanding greater transparency about the incident. The Placer County District Attorney’s Office has said it is reviewing the police department’s findings.

Assistant County Executive Officer Jane Christenson has been appointed Acting CEO pending a permanent replacement.