Top Aide to Woke California DA George Gascon Arrested for Public Intoxication, Interrupting Police Traffic Stop

Brigitte Purdy
June 25, 2024 06:04am
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Newly released footage shows Joseph Iniguez, the current No. 2 prosecutor in Los Angeles, being taken into custody after interfering with a traffic stop, despite warnings from officers that such intervention violates California law.

FIRST ON FOX: Newly released video shows Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon's top aide Joseph Iniguez being arrested after interrupting police who pulled over his then-fiance during a traffic stop on their way home from a wedding in 2021.

Iniguez, the current No. 2 prosecutor in Los Angeles, was riding shotgun when police pulled the couple over for a suspected traffic violation. Iniguez, who was Gascon's chief of staff at the time, repeatedly interrupted the officers, telling them they had pulled over the wrong person and urging them to check his license plates.

Top Aide to Woke California DA George Gascon Arrested for Public Intoxication, Interrupting Police Traffic Stop

The video, which was recorded by Iniguez on a cellphone, shows him repeatedly interrupting an Azusa police officer who was trying to question his then-fiance after the traffic stop. Iniguez also urged the officers to check his license plates, which could have revealed to them that he worked for the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

"Run our plates, and see what you find," he said. "Honestly. I'm not saying anything, just see what you find."

Top Aide to Woke California DA George Gascon Arrested for Public Intoxication, Interrupting Police Traffic Stop

After arresting the driver, the officer told Iniguez he was under arrest as well. "(Field sobriety tests) are completely voluntary and not required by law," he shouts as an officer attempts to interview the driver. "If he has probable cause, he will arrest you," Iniguez continues. "...He has reasonable suspicion, so he says, to conduct a traffic stop. OK."

Under a California law, Government Code 26540, prosecutors are not allowed to assist in the defense of any suspected criminals whatsoever. After his fiance is handcuffed, the officer approaches Iniguez and arrests him too.

Top Aide to Woke California DA George Gascon Arrested for Public Intoxication, Interrupting Police Traffic Stop

"Sir, you're currently in public, and you're intoxicated," he says. "You're being placed under arrest right now. Turn around for me. Put your hands behind your back."

Additional video shows Iniguez at the jail but does not include audio. Iniguez has since been promoted to chief deputy district attorney. Last year, he received a $10,000 settlement from Azusa after he sued over the incident, alleging a federal civil rights violation.

Top Aide to Woke California DA George Gascon Arrested for Public Intoxication, Interrupting Police Traffic Stop

Another top Gascon aide, Diana Teran, faces an 11-count felony indictment for allegations that she improperly accessed Brady material against Los Angeles sheriff's deputies. Teran is accused of accessing a sheriff's office database about its deputies when she worked there and then taking that information with her to the district attorney's office to work for Gascon, who was elected on an anti-police platform. Under Gascon, she "impermissibly" used the improperly obtained data to assist, according to the California Attorney General's Office.

The Association of Deputy District Attorneys, the county prosecutors' union, has named both Iniguez and Teran in a 2022 lawsuit alleging they both ordered subordinates to break the law. Neither Iniguez nor Gascon's office immediately responded to requests for comment.