LAKE COUNTY — On June 10 the Lake County District Attorney”s Office received a complaint from an inmate at the Lake County Hill Road Correctional Facility stating that he was physically and verbally abused by Sheriff Frank Rivero during an arrest on June 9.
Findings stated that the deputy sheriff and Rivero did not use excessive force when arresting the him or placing him in the vehicle. The officers were well within the scope of force necessary to make an arrest.
The District Attorney”s Office is obligated to investigate complaints of peace officer”s abuse under the color of authority, according to Lake County DA Don Anderson.
The scope of the investigation was to determine if any crime was committed by any law enforcement personnel. Interviews were conducted with the complaining party, inmates at the county jail, deputy sheriff”s and other witnesses. Medical reports and statements made to the treating physician were reviewed. Audio, video and Mobile Audio Visual (MAV) tapes were reviewed of the incident.
On June 9 at 8:34 p.m. the complaining party ran from a Lake County deputy sheriff conducting an investigation. He ran through heavy brush before surrendering to the deputy while hiding in the brush. He was arrested without incident.
Prior to being transferred into a patrol vehicle the complaining party said Rivero arrived at the scene and unjustifiably pushed him to the ground while handcuffed, causing him injuries.
Injuries are consistent with injuries he would have sustained when running through brush trying to escape from the deputy. The complaining party told the treating physician the injuries were from running through brush and did not mention being assaulted.
The deputy”s statements were corroborated by other witnesses, MAV tapes and reports. There was no evidence to corroborate the complaining parties” account of the incident.
The extent of the complaint of verbal abuse by the Sheriff does not constitute a threat or any criminal conduct.
The criminal complaint of excessive physical force and verbal abuse is determined to be unfounded.
