San Diego ACORN officials fire employee caught on video giving advice on human smuggling

San Diego ACORN officials fire worker over video

NATIONAL CITY, Calif. — ACORN officials in San Diego have fired an employee caught on video providing advice about human smuggling to a couple posing as a pimp and a prostitute.

David Lagstein, the group’s head organizer in San Diego, initially said Thursday that he believed Juan Carlos Vera did his best to deal with a challenging situation and would not be disciplined. But three hours later, Lagstein reversed that decision.

He said he reevaluated the videos posted online in which Vera was secretly filmed answering questions about smuggling people into the U.S. through Tijuana. Lagstein said after further discussion with supervisors and state ACORN officials he decided Vera’s conduct was “unacceptable.”

Earlier Thursday the House followed the Senate’s lead in denying all federal funding for the scandal-tainted community organizing group.

Information from: The San Diego Union-Tribune, www.signonsandiego.com