Vice Mayor Jason Lee Cleared After City Investigation Into Wild ‘n Out Event
Jason Lee was accused of both abusing his power as Vice Mayor and misusing $50,000 from the City of Stockton’s risk fund for a “Wild ‘n Out” event last year, but after months of scrutiny, a full investigation has officially cleared his name.
According to legal documents posted by the Stockton City Council, the city partnered with the law office of Hanson Bridgett LLC to conduct a thorough review of the situation. Two formal hearings were held, one in August 2025 and another in December 2025. The goal was simple. Determine whether any laws were broken. Determine whether public funds were misused. Determine whether Jason Lee should have recused himself.
The answer to all of it was no. Importantly, the committee found no evidence of financial violations. They also ruled that Lee’s actions fell within the scope of his authority as Vice Mayor. In other words, the loud accusations didn’t match the facts.
That matters. Especially in a time when public figures get tried on social media long before any official process plays out.
Let’s be clear about what was under the microscope.
The investigation reviewed whether $50,000 from Stockton’s risk fund was improperly allocated for the event. It also examined whether Lee used his public office to benefit himself personally due to his celebrity status and his role as the founder of Hollywood Unlocked.
The committee acknowledged that the initial announcement of the event carried a connotation that it was meant to tout Lee’s celebrity. However, that alone was not enough to prove wrongdoing. Intent matters.
Documentation matters. Legal authority matters.After reviewing contracts, internal communications, and city procedures, the committee concluded that the event aligned with the city’s interests. The benefits were tied to community engagement, cultural programming, and visibility for Stockton. None of those things are illegal. None of those things are misuse of funds.
This wasn’t a rushed decision either. Two hearings. Multiple months. Independent legal review.
That’s what due process looks like when people actually let it work.Jason Lee was not the only official named in the inquiry. Another councilmember, Michele Padilla, was also investigated in relation to the decision-making process surrounding the event.
That detail matters because it shows this was not a targeted investigation aimed at one individual. The committee examined how the decision was made collectively and whether proper procedures were followed.
The outcome was the same for both officials.The committee determined that Lee and Padilla acted within their authority. No ethics violations. No misuse of funds. No abuse of power.In a political climate where accusations spread faster than corrections, that conclusion deserves to be stated clearly and repeatedly.
