Fraud. Corruption. Retaliation. The Trial Against Cal OES Has Begun

This case has it all, lies, corruption, harassment, and a long trail of cover-ups by a state agency that should have known better. Attorney Maria Bourn has forced this case into the light, despite years of gaslighting, obstruction, and deliberate efforts to silence whistleblowers. Now, alongside co-counsel Lawrance Bohm, the truth is being laid bare in court. The defense can feel the pressure building, and for the first time, accountability is no longer optional. The fight for justice has officially begun.

What This Case Is About

Our client, Steven Larson was a senior emergency operations manager at Cal OES. He was hired to lead wildfire recovery efforts following the Camp Fire, the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history, while also working to bring order to a dysfunctional emergency response system.

What he found instead was a pattern of inflated overtime, mismanagement, and cronyism within Cal OES’s emergency operations. When multiple women came forward to Mr. Larson with allegations of sexual harassment by Deputy Director Ryan Buras, he did what any responsible leader should: he reported it.

Attorney Maria Bourn speaks out on a culture of harassment, retaliation, and cover-ups inside Cal OES.

Instead of addressing the misconduct, Cal OES retaliated. Mr. Larson was undermined, falsely accused, demoted, and eventually fired.

This isn’t just an employment dispute. It’s a test of what happens when someone inside government chooses integrity over silence and pays for it.

The trial is underway

Opening statements began this week at Sacramento Superior Court, Department 31. Defense counsel has already shown signs of strain as the case unfolds publicly after years of internal resistance.

From left to right: Tony Tartaglio, Tanya Gomerman, Steven Larson (our client), Ashley Pellouchoud, Maria Bourn, and Lawrance Bohm.

The Gomerman | Bourn & Associates legal team is examining witnesses, and co-counsel Lawrance Bohm is bringing his trademark precision and presence to the courtroom. The facts are on record. The evidence is strong. And the story Cal OES tried to bury is now being told loudly and clearly.

Why This Trial Matters

When public agencies retaliate against whistleblowers, the cost isn’t just personal, it’s public. In this case, the fallout included delayed aid for wildfire survivors, misused taxpayer funds, and the silencing of employees who tried to do the right thing.

This trial is about more than one man’s career. It’s about restoring accountability in a system that too often protects power instead of the people it serves.

Retaliation should never be the consequence for doing the right thing. If you’ve experienced harassment or retaliation in the workplace, our team is here to listen and help you explore your options. Reach out for a free, confidential consultation or give us a call at 415-545-8608.

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Gomerman|Bourn and Associates specializes in employment law and personal injury cases. Since opening its doors in 2012, they have recovered well over $100 million for their clients. To learn more about Gomerman|Bourn and Associates, visit www.gobolaw.com