An independent investigation commissioned by the City of Sacramento concluded that two Sacramento Fire Department captains improperly used their positions as firefighters in connection with the purchase, renovation and resale of the home of an elderly woman they first encountered while responding to a 911 medical call.

The investigation, obtained by the Sacramento Bee through a California Public Records Act request, found that then-Captain Douglas Muraki and Captain Michael Mora violated multiple city policies, including using city time and resources for a private business venture, failing to disclose outside employment, and leveraging access obtained through their public positions for personal financial gain. The investigation concluded that their conduct met the City’s definition of fraud and abuse.

According to the investigation, Captain Muraki first met Christie Evangelista during a medical response at her Sacramento home on April 2, 2024. Evangelista, who had undergone cancer treatment, suffered from mobility limitations and had struggled following the death of her husband several years earlier.

Investigators found that Muraki later contacted Evangelista regarding her desire to leave the home and connected her with real estate agent Kristen Snedeker, wife of then-Battalion Chief Darin Snedeker. Earlier that year, Muraki, Captain Mora, and Kristen Snedeker had formed Good Neighbor Investors LLC, a company created to purchase, renovate and resell residential properties.

The company purchased Evangelista’s home in May 2024 for $200,000. According to the investigation, approximately $197,000 of the proceeds satisfied the mortgage, leaving Evangelista with about $21,400 after closing. She then moved into a senior living facility.

As part of the investigation, the City retained a certified residential real estate appraiser to evaluate the transaction. The appraiser concluded that the $200,000 purchase price represented fair market value for the property’s condition.

Following the purchase, investigators found that both fire captains remained actively involved with the property while on duty. According to the report, Captain Muraki visited the property multiple times during work hours, including checking renovation progress, bringing department shovels for cleanup work, installing a battery in Evangelista’s vehicle, and showing fellow firefighters the property.

Captain Mora reportedly acknowledged managing portions of the renovation while on duty, including communicating with subcontractors, ordering supplies, and discussing project details from the fire station. The investigation also concluded that required permits had not been obtained for eight separate renovation projects performed on the home.

Two firefighters interviewed during the investigation reported accompanying Captain Mora to the property while on duty, where a department training exercise involving pulling a hose line to the front door was conducted.

The investigation further found that neither Muraki nor Mora filed the supplemental employment disclosures required by City policy for their participation in the real estate business.

The renovated home sold less than four months later for $460,000. According to the investigation, Muraki, Mora and Kristen Snedeker each reported earning approximately $35,000 from the transaction.

The investigation also addressed complaints that personal property belonging to Evangelista had been discarded during the cleanup of the home, including her late husband’s ashes, jewelry and a firearm. Evangelista claimed she had identified items she wanted preserved before the cleanup. Muraki, Mora and Kristen Snedeker disputed portions of those allegations, stating that Evangelista was present during much of the cleanup and that numerous items were contaminated by rodent and insect infestation.

The investigators concluded that Muraki and Mora had engaged in conduct constituting fraud and abuse under City standards. According to the disciplinary findings, as reported by the Sacramento Bee:

• Public service is grounded in the principles of integrity, accountability and the unwavering commitment to serve the community without personal gain…
• Leveraging your position, uniform and access gained through city service to facilitate a private real estate transaction for personal profit, especially involving a medically and emotionally vulnerable individual, represents a profound misuse of that trust.”

Captain Mora initially received notice of the City’s intent to terminate his employment. However, following the disciplinary process, he remained employed as a fire captain. The City has not publicly explained why termination was not imposed.

Muraki entered into a settlement agreement providing for a 120-hour suspension and demotion from captain to firefighter.

The investigation also examined the involvement of then-Battalion Chief Darin Snedeker. Although investigators noted his personal connection to the individuals involved, they concluded there was insufficient evidence to establish that he participated in the transaction or violated City policy. Snedeker later left the Sacramento Fire Department, joined the South Placer Fire District, and now serves as its Fire Chief.

Good Neighbor Investors LLC was dissolved in February 2025. Here is more from the Sacramento Bee and the Sacramento Hoodline.