California State Senator Sabrina Cervantes has filed a government claim against the City of Sacramento following an incident earlier this year that involved a car collision and subsequent allegations of driving under the influence. Cervantes, who represents Riverside, contends that although she was a victim of the vehicle crash on May 19, she was falsely arrested and wrongfully detained without any probable cause, according to reports by FOX40.
Sabrina Cervantes has sustained minor injuries on her way to the Capitol after the crash at 14th and S streets. Subsequently, she faced accusations from the Sacramento Police Department, who conducted a DUI investigation citing signs of intoxication, but clarified later that she did not show signs of being drunk or under the influence, specifically of alcohol, as stated in an interview by Cervantes with KCRA 3. Toxicology results later confirmed the absence of any measurable amount of alcohol or drugs in Cervantes’ system, leading the Sacramento County District Attorney to decline prosecution.
The legal claim put forth by Senator Cervantes includes accusations of false arrest, unlawful detention, and defamatory statements that allegedly violated her rights under both state and federal constitutions. Her counsel, James Quadra, conveyed that members of the Sacramento Police Department had acted with egregious misconduct, as disclosed in a statement obtained by FOX40.
In detailing the basis for her claim, Senator Cervantes has alleged that the officers violated several laws and regulations, one of which includes submitting false statements to obtain a warrant. This compelled her to submit to a blood test, which she had agreed to do voluntarily. As per a report by KCRA 3, she is seeking damages for the alleged false arrest, emotional distress, and defamation resulting from these actions.
Senator Cervantes is expected to hold a media availability today to further address the legal action she is undertaking against the city and its police department. The situation has raised concerns among the community about the accountability of law enforcement, particularly as it relates to an elected official who also happens to be an openly LGBTQ+ Latina, as Cervantes has suggested officers acted in part due to her identity and her legislative work regulating police use of ALPR systems, as mentioned in her counsel's statement obtained by FOX40.
