The newly released video shows Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon’s top aide, Joseph Iniguez, being arrested after interrupting police during a traffic stop involving his then-fiance on their way home from a wedding in 2021. Iniguez, who was the chief of staff at the time, is heard in the video telling officers they pulled over the wrong person and to check his license plates to see that he works for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. Iniguez also repeatedly urged his fiance not to speak with the officers and argued against the officers interviewing her. The encounter resulted in both Iniguez and his fiance being arrested.
Iniguez received a $10,000 settlement from Azusa after suing over the incident, alleging a federal civil rights violation. Despite this, he was later promoted to chief deputy district attorney. The video shows Iniguez being arrested after being accused of being intoxicated in public. Another Gascon aide, Diana Teran, is also facing an 11-count felony indictment for improperly accessing Brady material against Los Angeles sheriff’s deputies. Teran is accused of accessing a sheriff’s office database and taking that information to assist Gascon, who was elected on an anti-police platform. Both Iniguez and Teran have been named in a lawsuit by the county prosecutors’ union, alleging they instructed subordinates to break the law.
In the video, Iniguez can be heard arguing with officers and asserting that field sobriety tests are voluntary and not required by law. Iniguez emphasized his stance as a prosecutor and attempted to use his status as a member of the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office to influence the situation. However, he was ultimately arrested for being intoxicated in public. The incident is an example of the challenges facing Gascon’s office, as he has been criticized for his handling of cases and his unconventional approach to prosecution.
Gascon’s office and Iniguez have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the incident. The Association of Deputy District Attorneys has accused both Iniguez and Teran of ordering subordinates to break the law. Gascon has faced criticism for his anti-police platform and his handling of cases, with his office being accused of improperly obtaining and using data against law enforcement officers. Iniguez’s promotion despite his controversial arrest and subsequent lawsuit raises questions about Gascon’s leadership and the ethical standards within his office.
The video captured the tense encounter between Iniguez, his fiance, and the police during the traffic stop. Iniguez’s behavior, as seen in the video, raises concerns about the conduct of Gascon’s top aides and the adherence to ethical standards within the District Attorney’s Office. The ongoing legal battles involving Gascon’s office highlight the challenges faced by law enforcement and prosecutors in Los Angeles. Gascon’s office, Iniguez, and Teran are all facing scrutiny for their actions, with allegations of misconduct and improper use of data against law enforcement officers. The outcome of these legal battles will have significant implications for the future of law enforcement and prosecution in Los Angeles County.
