An Alameda County judge has ordered former Fremont City Manager Mark Danaj to turn over his passport while he awaits trial on felony embezzlement charges. The decree was requested by prosecutors after they learned that Danaj was 6,000 miles away in Italy.
Danaj is not on the lam. He’s making lamb – along with capellini, osso buco and gelato. With his career in government flayed and burnt, Danaj is studying to become a chef instead.
Prosecutors were dismayed when they first learned Danaj was overseas. His culinary studies – which are taking place in a 900-year old castle – are nothing but “a pretextual excuse to gallivant around Europe while he awaits trial,” wrote prosecutor Alexandra Grayner in a court filing.
Alameda County prosecutors have accused Danaj of charging $18,000 worth of personal expenses, including travel and Apple products, to a city credit card.
Danaj’s lawyer, Dan O’Malley, defended his client’s most recent overseas trip.
Danaj “wishes to take responsibility for the actions,” said O’Malley in a quote from the Mercury News.
He “will never work in Municipal Governent [sic], so he is trying to find a profession (Culinary) that he can pursue once he gets this case behind him.”
If Danaj is convicted, he’ll find himself in good company. Some of America’s most famous chefs also have criminal records.