Artesia Council Tony Lima, Monica Manalo, Former City Manager and City Clerk Named in Felony Search Warrant

January 9, 2022

A felony search warrant has been issued by the LA County Sheriff’s asking for all texts and computer and electronic devices belonging to former Artesia manager Bil Rawlings and communications between him and Artesia City Clerk Ernesto Sanchez, and Councilmembers Tony Lima and Monica Manalo.

The warrant was obtained by the Press-Telegram.

According to the search warrant, evidence was presented to a judge by Detective Brian Judge who then issued a warrant under Penal Code section 1524 pertaining to the 2020 City Council election.

The search warrant states that electronic equipment either was used “as a means of committing a felony and tends to show that a felony has been committed” and  that “a particular person has committed a felony.”

The warrant is asking for electronic material for a 17 day period between July 28, 2020 up to and including August 13, 2020.

The search warrant is seizing everything from the city building including computers, laptops cell phone tablets that Rawlings used or is still in possession of Rawlings.

The search warrant also asked for any letters emails, including emails from personal accounts, recordings, memos, notes, messages, or other communications between Rawlings City Clerk Ernesto Sanchez and Councilpersons Tony Lima and Monica Malala for the same 17 day period.

 Councilwoman Monica Manalo sent a statement today, January 10, 2022, and denied any involvement,  “The City is fully cooperating with local law enforcement in this matter. The City does not comment on investigations or personnel matters. As for myself, I did not engage in any election misconduct nor do I have ANY knowledge of impropriety regarding the election.  My only communication with City staff during the filing period (referenced in the article) took place with City Clerk Ernesto Sanchez who provided instructions on the filing process along with a list of individuals who had pulled campaign packets.  I also met with Mr. Sanchez at City Hall to submit my campaign document.

Texts to Tony Lima have yet to be answered.

Ring Battery Doorbell, Head-to-Toe Video, Live View with Two-Way Talk, and Motion Detection & Alerts (2024 release),…

(10873)

$54.99 (as of April 19, 2025 06:23 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Acctndok Enhanced Cat Deterrent Spray, Natural Safe Cat Repellent Indoor and Outdoor, Effective Cat Scratch Deterrent Training Aid for Furniture, Sofas, Rugs, Curtain Protection (Citrus)

(59)

$22.99 (as of April 18, 2025 17:20 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Dog Bark Deterrent Devices for Own or Neighbor's Dog Ultrasonic Dog Training Device Safe & Effective Portable Anti Barking Device for Dogs Indoor Outdoor Use Orange

(604)

$29.99 (as of April 18, 2025 17:20 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Apple iPhone 12 Mini, 64GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed)

(15585)

$177.50 (as of April 19, 2025 06:23 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Wesdut 52in1 Precision Screwdriver Set, [Super Durable] Small Repair Kit, PC Accessories, PS5 Cleaning Kit, Tool Sets for Men, Fit MacBook, Computer, Laptop, Watch, PS4, Xbox, Eyeglass, Console More

(58)

$8.99 (as of April 18, 2025 17:20 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

ASOBRIS Laser-Level-with-Tripod, Green Cross Line Laser with Tripod Self-Leveling, Lazer Leveler Tool for Picture Hanging Construction Floor Tile Wall Home Renovation, Indoor Project, Battery Included

(174)

$39.99 (as of April 18, 2025 17:20 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Blink Video Doorbell (newest model) + Sync Module 2 | Two-year battery life, Two-way audio, HD video, motion and…

(162366)

$34.99 (as of April 19, 2025 06:23 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

New 2025 ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential - Energy Star Certified programmable Wi-Fi Thermostat - Works with Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant

(72)

$129.99 (as of April 18, 2025 17:20 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

jxsoyen Cotton Shorts for Women Casual 7 Inch Inseam Shorts Summer Elastic Waist Short Vacation Beach Outfits with Pockets

(1)

$10.99 (as of April 18, 2025 17:20 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

PawSono Eye Wipes for Dogs & Cats, Hypoallergenic Dog Eye Wipes Cleaner, Natural Cleaning Pet Wipes for Face Gently Remove Tear Stain, Eye Debris, Discharge, Mucus, Non-Irritating, Unscent, 100 PCS

(260)

$9.99 (as of April 18, 2025 17:20 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)