Mayor Pro Tem Tito Ortiz Filed For Unemployment Despite Owning 2 Businesses, $4 Million Home

Tito Ortiz, who is mayor pro tem and a city council member in Huntington Beach, is facing questions after it was revealed that he had filed for unemployment while still being paid by the city. The UFC Hall of Famer could face criminal charges if authorities determine his application was filed fraudulently.

Ortiz, 46, has served in his positions since December 2020. In late April, however, the Orange County Register noticed he had filed for unemployment, claiming that his last day of work had been Feb. 9.

Ortiz implied that his hours had been cut due to COVID-19, responding to a question about the “reason for separation” from his employer by saying, “Still working part-time or on-call – related to the coronavirus (COVID-19).”

He was indeed still working part-time-the exact same hours he had before the pandemic. Ortiz’s position also continued to give him the same pay: almost $800 every two weeks.

Beyond his continued role in government, Ortiz has plenty of assets. The decorated athlete owns a $4 million home and two businesses, a gym and an athletic clothing store. He’s also estimated to have a net worth of up to $20 million dollars.

Ortiz also attracted local animosity due to his vocal stance against mask-wearing, which disrupted his ability to participate in city council meetings and prevented the council from returning to in-person discussions. He’s also been spoken out against COVID-19 vaccines at pro-Donald Trump rallies.

“I’ll show up and do my job,” Ortiz said in March. “And if I get escorted out by police that’s you guys’ choice.”

Huntington Beach Mayor Kim Carr confirmed to NBC News that Ortiz is receiving the same hours and pay as before the pandemic, and says she’s concerned he may have committed fraud.

"It's my understanding that city council members are not eligible for unemployment, particularly when they are receiving their full salary," Carr said.