A California maritime official faces investigation after charging taxpayers $4,537 for entertainment at a Houston strip club linked to prostitution and weapons crimes. The Port of Oakland’s Maritime Director James Kwon submitted the receipt claiming it was a business dinner reception during a 2008 shipping industry conference.

The Party at Treasures

Kwon entertained approximately a dozen shipping industry executives at Treasures, a gentleman’s club that has faced allegations of prostitution, drug dealing, and weapons violations dating back to 2008. The receipt submitted to port officials listed the establishment under its parent company name, D. Houston Inc., rather than the strip club’s actual name. Port commissioners convened an emergency Friday session to address the spending scandal.

Official Response and Investigation

Port of Oakland Board President Gilda Gonzales released a statement confirming commissioners treat the matter with utmost seriousness. The investigation comes as Kwon attends another port conference in China, making him unavailable for comment. Kwon has served as the Port of Oakland’s maritime operations director since 2007, managing critical shipping operations for one of California’s busiest commercial ports.

Accountability Questions

The Houston Chronicle first reported the investigation, raising questions about oversight of public funds and appropriate business entertainment expenses. The case highlights ongoing concerns about how government officials use taxpayer dollars for professional networking events. Port commissioners must now determine whether the expense violated spending policies and what disciplinary measures may be warranted. The investigation’s outcome could impact how California ports monitor employee expense claims and establish clearer guidelines for business entertainment activities funded by public money.