Tito Ortiz is being investigated for allegedly filing for unemployment benefits. The former UFC heavyweight champion, who currently serves as a politician in his hometown California.
Tito was elected to the Huntington Beach, California city council, assuming the position of mayor ‘Pro Tempore’ (a kind of temporary position).
According to the records, the veteran filled out the paperwork for the California Department of Employment Development on February 22, claiming that, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he would not be able to work full time at the City Council.
The problem, according to officials, is that Tito has not suffered a cut in wages and continues to receive the monthly amount assigned to his position, in addition to the benefits.
Hunting Beach mayor Kim Carr confirmed that the fighter remains on the same salary and expressed his concern about the possible attempt at fraud.
This is not Tito Ortiz’s first controversy as a representative of the people in Huntington Beach Town Hall. At the first planning meeting with mayor Carr, the former UFC champion was barred from entering the venue for refusing to wear a mask.
“That’s not true. He’s been receiving the same amount of wages and hours. It’s my understanding that city council members are not eligible for unemployment, particularly when they are receiving their full salary,” Carr said.
Tito, a staunch supporter of former United States President Donald Trump in this January, he came to risk losing the position of mayor ‘Pro Tem’ precisely because of his stance against the use of a mask and social distance. Members of the City Council threatened to initiate a measure to remove him from his post.
On April 2016, the 46-year-old man was arrested for felony domestic violence against then girlfriend Jenna Jameson at their Huntington Beach.
