Despite all the nonchalance, CCSD transportation managers were under the microscope these last few weeks. Whether they recognized the seriousness of the grand jury investigation still isn’t known.

While it was reported the department was largely cooperative, on at least a few occasions the grand jury had to repeatedly request documents. For some, subpoenas had to be issued, and I’m told even then it was necessary to call repeatedly before certain paperwork was handed over.

We’ll likely never know what occurred behind the scenes with some of the documents, but we do know from drivers and mechanics that they were treated with much more respect during the investigation than prior to it.

One grand juror, an experienced auditor who volunteered to play a key role for the District Attorney’s office, was instrumental in identifying missing records and analyzing departmental procedures. At least twice during the process, prior to the final recommendations being authored, I’m told transportation head Rick Grisham asked this investigator to come advise him when her job with the jury was finished.

On both occasions, witnesses were present and eyebrows were raised, I’m told. It’s not often the subject of an investigation offers a job, in whatever capacity, to a key investigator. Let alone twice in the presence of witnesses. Unless you live in Chicago.

Was this an attempt to get in the good graces of this influential juror, or was it a demonstration of naiveté by this manager? Who knows? But nothing about this operation surprises me any more.