California ethics panel seeks fine against board member of largest US public pension fund

Calif. ethics panel to fine pension fund member

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A board member of the nation’s largest public pension fund could be facing an ethics fine.

The California Fair Political Practices Commission will vote April 8 on whether to levy a $3,000 fine against Priya Mathur. She is a board member of the California Public Employees Retirement System.

The proposed fine comes as federal regulators are investigating potential bribes within CalPERS.

The commission says Mathur failed to file a 2007 statement of economic interest on time. She also refused to return phone calls and e-mails from the ethics investigators alerting her to the issue.

Board members are required to disclose potential conflicts of interest every year.

Board spokesman Brad Pacheco did not immediately return phone or e-mail messages Wednesday.