A public archive of professional standards, executive pressure, and the consequences of doing the right thing.
Timeline of Retaliation
Key Events from Whistleblower Reports to Public Appeal
An interactive timeline showing critical events — including directives to violate standards, leave placement, whistleblower filings, internal responses, and City Council comments — all anchored by dates and supported with links to exhibits.
As City Auditor, Brad Neumann received a credible whistleblower report alleging corruption and found supporting evidence through internal review. Around the same time, he was repeatedly directed by executive management to perform audit work in a way that would violate professional standards. When he resisted and notified the Internal Audit Committee through a message titled “Notice of Request for Resolution of Disagreement,” he was placed on paid administrative leave within 5 hours.
Brad immediately informed Human Resources that the action was retaliatory. HR confirmed they had received his protected disclosure. Despite this, the City moved forward without acknowledging or addressing the protected activity. This site exists to document that retaliation and to bring public visibility to the officials and directives behind it.
The Executives Involved
Who Directed, Approved, or Allowed the Retaliation
Profiles and roles of City of Ontario officials connected to the directives, investigations, or decisions that contributed to the retaliation. Includes public statements, titles, timelines of involvement, and related documents.
Relevant Standards
The Professional Ethics That Were Violated
Summaries and direct excerpts from the Institute of Internal Auditors’ Code of Ethics, Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing, and applicable whistleblower protection laws. Organized to show where conflicts arose between executive orders and audit integrity.