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Embattled East Bay Lawmaker Accused Of Giving Big Raise To Tenant On Staff

CASTRO VALLEY (CBS 5) - California Assemblywoman Mary Hayashi, once busted for shoplifting, is accused of renting her underwater Castro Valley home to a staffer shortly after giving him a big raise.

Hayashi and her husband paid just under $700,000 eight years ago for a townhome in Castro Valley, but have had a hard time selling the property after moving out. The couple decided to rent the house in 2010 to legislative aide Chris Parman – just weeks after giving him a $7,500 raise.

Last year, Hayashi was arrested for shoplifting thousands of dollars worth of clothing from Neiman Marcus. She later pled no contest.

"It raises serious ethical questions," said CBS 5 political analyst Joe Tuman. "I think most people are going to look at this and say it's inappropriate to give someone a raise… and then turnaround and rent your property to them."

The assemblywoman did not respond to requests for comment, but her district director said Parman no longer works for Hayashi, saying only that he was transferred. However, his LinkedIn page still lists him as her legislative aide.

Neighbors said the assemblywoman's tenants lived here for about two years, then moved out about a month ago.

"They could be separate events…but it does seem fishy," said former neighbor Jeane Postiglione.

Tuman said this latest controversy could cost Hayashi in November. She's running for Alameda County Supervisor.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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