Santa Rosa's city attorney is finally speaking out this after an Action 4 News exclusive investigation into alleged harassment by city aldermen against members of the police department.
“Up to now no one has said that anyone is doing anything improperly to us,” said Gilberto Hinojosa attorney for Santa Rosa. “They may tell you that but they are not telling the people that have the ability to make some changes."
That statement is not in line with documents we obtained.
We got a copy of the resignation letter from late officer Chris Sauceda that specifically points to harassment and criticism from Alderman Erasmo Villanueva as his reason for leaving the force.
The 23 year old officer called his experience with the department the beginning of his law enforcement career, but sadly shortly after writing this letter he took his own life.
“I’m very sorry for his family that he took his life but I don’t think anybody could blame that on anybody from the board of alderman," said Hinojosa.
The attorney maintains the aldermen address all complaints presented to them.
However, as we reported Thursday, most say they won't speak out in fear of retaliation.
“Anonymous complaints I understand why people make them but the problems with anonymous complaints is how do you investigate an anonymous complaint, if you don’t know who to talk to…everything requires proof."
We played for him the exclusive video which appears to show alderman Oscar Ovalle harassing an officer.
In response the attorney said the video doesn’t show a full story and he would need to get the full details on what occurred that night.
City policy we received showed how each alderman is in charge of a specific department or area Santa Rosa.
That puts alderman Erasmo Villanueva with more power than the police chief.
As a result of our investigation, Action 4 News learned city aldermen removed body microphones from each patrol officer.
In speaking with other city police departments they told us those microphones are essential for their security and safety.
Meaning this story is far from over.
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