Two Caltrain employees thought they had the perfect cover-up—until it came crashing down. Joseph Vincent Navarro and Seth Andrew Worden have officially been sentenced for embezzling public funds to build a secret apartment and remodel station offices, right inside San Mateo County train stations.
According to Yahoo! News, Navarro, a deputy director, used $42,000 in public funds to construct a private apartment at Burlingame Station, installing a full kitchen, heating, shower, plumbing, and even surveillance cameras. Meanwhile, Worden, a subordinate, followed Navarro’s lead by using $8,000 in stolen funds to renovate office space at Millbrae Station in 2019.
RELATED STORIES: Stable Situation? Man Busted Hiding Stolen Horse in Apartment
Here’s how it went down: Navarro reportedly instructed Worden to hire outside contractors and ensure that no invoice exceeded $3,000, hoping to stay below internal scrutiny limits. Worden’s illegal project was discovered in 2020 when fellow Caltrain staff stumbled upon the unexpected living quarters.
As for Navarro, he was caught in 2022 after someone submitted an anonymous tip. Officials were stunned to find a full-blown apartment built with public dollars inside a transportation facility meant for commuters—not private living.
The Consequences: Jail Time and Restitution
Worden has been sentenced to 60 days in jail, and in addition to paying back the $8,000 he embezzled, he must also undergo substance abuse treatment and counseling. Navarro, viewed as the mastermind of the operation, received a 120-day jail sentence. He is expected to surrender to authorities by August 2 and will appear in court again on August 15 for a restitution hearing.