LAKEPORT >> An anonymous letter received by the Lake County Board of Supervisors accused District 4 Supervisor Anthony Farrington of unethical actions in regard to a case where the parents of a woman who died in a deputy-involved car crash are suing the county. Farrington refutes the accusation and his version is supported by county counsel Anita Grant.
Following the incident in question, the family of Gabriela Rivas Garcia initially approached Farrington to represent them in court.
“I informed them that I could not represent them in a lawsuit against the county,” Farrington said.
However, Farrington did loan the family money for purposes of transporting Garcia’s body to Mexico because the family did not have the financial resources to cover the costs, according to a press statement from the county.
The letter, dated Feb. 23, alleged that Farrington made “a deal to ‘share attorney fees’ with Santa Rosa attorney Jeremy Fietz,” who currently represents the parents of the victim, Gloria Garcia Gamino and Jose Daniel Rivas Cruz. Farrington countered that, while he could not speak to the specific contents of the agreement due to attorney-client privilege, “I do have an expectation of payment and reimbursement for past legal services rendered that have nothing to do with the family’s litigation against the county.”
The incident in question occurred at about 6:30 a.m. on Oct. 3, 2013, on Highway 29 near Diener Road in Lower Lake. Garcia, 26, was on her way to work. Lake County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) Deputy Scott Lewis was responding from Kelseyville to Lower Lake to join a high-speed pursuit of several suspects believed to have participated in a burglary.
Gamino and Cruz, claim that according to LCSO regulations officers may not report to work with any traceable Blood Alcohol Content (BAC), which Lewis had reportedly done. Former Sheriff Frank Rivero allowed during a radio show that officers are not permitted to have alcohol in their system while on duty. They also allege that Lewis was responsible for the crash and their daughter’s death because he was negligent by giving pursuit when he was not obligated to because of the distance involved.
Despite being initially approached by Gamino and Cruz, Farrington explained that his “initial representation of Gabriela’s family was before any investigations by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) had been completed.”
According to Farrington, details of how the incident “occurred or who was to blame” were still unknown to both Farrington and the family at the time of his representation.
The anonymous letter writer further alleged that Farrington “should have been prohibited from voting and acting on any matter related to the … case, but continues to make decisions which will benefit him and harm the county.” The writer asserts that Farrington should be reprimanded in an appropriate manner.
However, both Farrington and Grant point out that the supervisor acted appropriately.
“Supervisor Farrington has recused himself from any communications, discussions and/or decisions related to this litigation,” Grant explained.
Additionally, Farrington said he requested that Grant, as well as the other members of the board, not send him any emails or correspondence concerning the case.
“I made full disclosure to the board and the public of my involvement in this matter upon my stated purpose for recusal,” Farrington added.
Farrington has recused himself of any meetings or discussions regarding a case with Bill Eagleton as the plaintiff, who was also injured during the incident.
According to the county, Farrington’s initial representation of Garcia’s family in assisting with the memorial, transportation and burial is not a violation of state law or county policies.
Contact J. W. Burch, IV at 900-2022.
