Please do not vote until you have considered this information. There was a sheriff candidates” forum in Hidden Valley Lake on Oct. 6. Francisco Rivero was asked about his role in a DUI allegation against a man who was ultimately acquitted. Before addressing the audience, Rivero first looked at the police report that he had written about the case. Then Rivero passionately explained to the audience of more than 100 people that the acquittal was not his fault. Rivero said he did not do the initial investigation or do the FST”s (Field Sobriety Tests). There is a video recording available containing every word that Rivero spoke during that forum.
There was a jury trial for the DUI case in question on May 5, 2009. Rivero was questioned under oath about his role in the DUI arrest. Before addressing the jury, Rivero first looked at the police report that he had written about the case.
Then Rivero told the jury in great detail about his initial investigation and the field sobriety tests he conducted on the suspect. Rivero said that he based his decision to arrest the man on the totality of the circumstances of the traffic stop and his field sobriety tests and his observations of the suspect between the field sobriety tests. There is a court transcript available containing every word that Rivero spoke during that trial. (Superior Court Case #CR914199).
Only one of Rivero”s versions of this case can be true; one version makes him a criminal, guilty of perjury and other felonies and the other version makes him a liar.
No matter which statement you believe, Rivero can never testify as a credible witness again. So Rivero should not be elected to an office of trust.
Is it becoming clear why the law enforcement community does not trust Francisco Rivero?
Roth Shilts
Middletown
