A retired judge successfully exposed an Orange County education official’s hidden income of up to $13 million, leading to record ethics penalties. Retired Judge Lynne Riddle spearheaded the legal battle against Orange County Board Trustee Mari Barke, who now faces significant fines for concealing her financial interests.
The case culminated last month when a county judge ordered Barke to pay $101,800 in fines for failing to comply with economic disclosure requirements. This penalty is the third highest in state history for such violations. Hundreds of thousands of dollars in attorney’s fees will also be paid.
Riddle initiated the legal proceedings three years ago after discovering discrepancies in Barke’s financial disclosures. While reviewing financial forms submitted by members of the Orange County Board of Education, Riddle noted Barke had reported no income and only a single $99 gift over a four-year period from 2018 to 2021. This contrasted sharply with her colleagues’ disclosures, which detailed salaries, investments, and various income sources.
Riddle found Barke’s filings particularly suspect given her then-husband’s involvement in numerous enterprises and properties valued at several million dollars. In February 2023, Riddle alerted the Orange County district attorney and the Fair Political Practices Commission, a state watchdog agency. When prosecutors declined to pursue a criminal case, Riddle, alongside attorney Lee Fink, filed a civil lawsuit.
“It’s not fun to bring a lawsuit,” Riddle stated, describing the litigation as a moral imperative. “But it’s really the people who are harmed when our electeds don’t tell the truth.” Barke represents Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, and parts of Newport Beach on the O.C. Board of Education.
The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) had already investigated Barke, fining her $3,200 in September 2024 for failing to file an initial candidate form in 2018 and for submitting false annual disclosures. However, Riddle’s lawsuit proceeded, uncovering more details about Barke’s affiliations and assets.
Amended filings submitted by Barke in 2023 revealed her paid role with the California Policy Center, a conservative think tank. This organization was involved in launching the Orange County Classical Academy, a charter school where Barke’s then-husband, Dr. Jeff Barke, serves on the board. Barke’s amended disclosures indicated annual earnings from the center between $10,000 and $100,000. She also disclosed joint spousal wealth exceeding $300,000 in annual income and an additional $2 million per year from shared business interests and real estate.
In a statement, Mari Barke said she takes disclosure obligations seriously. “When errors in my filings were identified, I corrected them and resolved the matter with the Fair Political Practices Commission,” she wrote. “This separate lawsuit, brought by a private party, sought additional penalties. I respectfully disagree with the outcome and am reviewing my options, including an appeal.”
Orange County Superior Court Judge Shaina Colover’s final decision challenged Barke’s assertions, noting the FPPC’s penalties did not fully address the extent of the omissions. “The undisclosed interests and income were of a magnitude that would have been material to members of the public evaluating potential conflicts of interest and transparency obligations of an elected official,” Colover concluded.
Barke testified in February that her husband advised her to disclose only economic interests directly conflicting with her role on the O.C. Board of Education and her specific trustee area. Lee Fink, Barke’s attorney, noted that the judge found Barke’s omissions to be “far more than careless, it was reckless.” Judge Colover pointed out that Barke never contacted the FPPC helpline, consulted a professional, or read the Form 700 instructions.
Riddle expressed concern that Barke’s actions undermine confidence in the electoral system. “If someone is unwilling to do the hard work, even with something they file under penalty of perjury, it undermines my confidence in the electoral system and the people who are serving in governance,” she said.
While attorney’s fees for Riddle are still being calculated, half of Barke’s penalties will go to the state’s general fund, and the other half will be awarded to Riddle for her public service. Riddle plans to donate her share to Orange County nonprofits that support education. She hopes the ruling in Riddle v. Barke will establish a precedent for others who discover similar unreported interests.
“Our faith in our representative democracy … depends upon our representatives working diligently, listening to our thoughts and needs and telling us the truth,” Riddle said. “My hope is our judgment will further that mission along.”