At a recent Modesto Irrigation District (MID) board meeting, former U.S. Representative John Duarte spoke in defense of Larry Byrd, a MID director currently under investigation for allegedly using district water to irrigate land outside the district’s boundaries. Duarte stated that he believes the investigation into Byrd is a “personal vendetta” and urged the board to focus on more significant issues.
“Really, what we’re talking about is Director Byrd’s respective and unresolved, already explored but still being investigated, possible, maybe, use of district water on some parts that may be outside the district,” Duarte said during the October 14 meeting. “And he’s acquiesced. I don’t think he has to be investigated, but I think he’s acquiesced and cooperated.”
The allegations against Byrd surfaced after accusations that he used MID water on over 100 acres of almond orchards located outside MID boundaries. Byrd has denied these claims, attributing them to a former employee whom he dismissed. The initial report was published by the Modesto Focus.
Duarte later clarified with The Bee that he does not have factual knowledge regarding whether Byrd used district water for out-of-district land. He also questioned whether MID had an established policy addressing water use on what he referred to as “fringe properties.” Duarte suggested such policies were not widely known among growers.
MID board President Robert Frobose responded at the meeting by asserting that such a policy exists. Duarte replied: “I haven’t seen it, I don’t think anyone’s seen a policy,” and added, “If (Frobose) is going to push forward this investigation, I’d like him to show what the policy is for what investigations like this are.”
Duarte further argued that this type of investigation is unprecedented within MID and warned that many other growers with similar properties could also face scrutiny if there are no clear guidelines. “If you’re going to prosecute, especially sitting directors … it really is a lot more comforting to the public if there’s an actual policy that governs this,” Duarte said.
According to reporting from the Valley Citizen, Byrd has previously claimed all his land was within MID boundaries; however, at a September board meeting where he denied current allegations, Byrd stated portions of his property outside the district were irrigated using well water. The Valley Citizen also reported that Byrd has not provided records documenting well usage for irrigation over the past decade.
This ongoing investigation follows another recent controversy involving MID leadership. In September, director Janice Keating was censured unanimously after allegations surfaced accusing her of abusive behavior toward staff members dating back to 2023.
Byrd declined comment pending completion of the current investigation.
