Jason Lee Cleared in City Misuse of Funds Investigation

Last year Stockton Vice Mayor and Hollywood Unlocked founder, Jason Lee, was accused of misusing $50k in city funds to bring Nick Cannon's Wild 'N Out to Stockton [click here if you missed that].

Jason has been clear of any wrongdoing...

From Fox 40

A $50,000 investigation spearheaded by the Stockton City Council and funded by taxpayers determined that Vice Mayor Jason Lee is cleared of all allegations of abuse of power and misuse of funds related to a recent Wild ‘N Out comedy show.

At a council meeting on Dec. 9, 2025, Mayor Christina Fugazi moved to expand the investigation into Lee and any possible wrongdoing related to the Wild N’ Out show, particularly about his involvement in discussions related to the investigation.

The council voted 4-3 in favor of the investigation. Yes votes included Fugazi, Michele Padilla (District 1), Mariela Ponce (District 2), and Brando Villapudua (District 5). The councilmembers who voted against the investigation were Lee (District 6), Michael Blower (District 3), and Mario Enriquez (District 4).

Hanson Bridgette LLP, an independent law firm, took over the investigation and released the results on Friday. It found that Lee did not violate state law or city charter and had no improper influence or improper financial interest. The investigation also concluded that Lee did not violate any ethics rules or need to recuse himself from any discussions, but added that the highest ethical standards may call for more than what is legally required.

“The facts show that any personal interest was likely aligned with City interest,” Hanson Bridgette LLP said. “At most, the facts reflect a possible lack of awareness of the need to consider ethical standards even when one’s personal interests are aligned with official duties.”

After the investigation concluded, Lee said the mayor and city council should feel extremely embarrassed.

“I tried my best to save the taxpayers from spending $50,000 to prove I was innocent, but the council click voted otherwise,” Lee said.

Although Lee was cleared of wrongdoing, Fugazi’s response so far has been to focus on the law firm’s conclusion that Lee’s actions met “acceptable standards.” Instead, she said Stockton deserves someone who “exceeds standards.”