California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO Ian Choudri resigns amid investigation

CALIFORNIA -- California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO Ian Choudri has resigned.

Board member Henry Perea confirmed that the resignation happened Wednesday night.

Joe Stephneshaw, the Director of the California Department of Finance, has been appointed by the board as interim president.

It comes after an investigation found that $800,000 worth of travel expenses for four consulting firms was not approved in advance.

The investigation reveals the agency paid for trips to the gym, an escape room and a nightclub.

These findings were shared at a high-speed rail authority meeting in October.