Assemblyman Arambula Facing Child Cruelty Charges

California State Assemblyman Joaquin Arambula (D-Fresno) has been arrested by Fresno Police on charges of willful cruelty to a child.

According to Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer, members from his squadron responded to Dailey Elementary Charter School in Fresno after Child Protective Services informed them of a facial wound injury that appeared to have been inflicted on a child.

Police say they were able to connect the child to Arambula after interviewing the child.

“The child we interviewed gave a very good statement, a very detailed statement, and we’ve been able to determine that what the child did tell us is factual,” stated Chief Dyer.

Dyer declined to go into details about the nature of the injury and also declined to confirm the student’s relation to Arambula; age and gender were also left out.

The assemblyman was arrested and transported to police headquarters, processed and issued a misdemeanor citation with a promise to appear in court at a later time.

Following the incident, Fred Vanderhoof, the Chairman of the Republican Party of Fresno County called for the removal of Arambula from the assembly saying “California State Assembly Speaker, Anthony Rendon, should ask for Joaquin Arambula’s resignation due to the egregious nature of these charges.”

He also added, “The Fresno County Republican Party commends the Fresno City Police Department and Child Protective Services for investigating this crime.”

Although it appears Arambula was cooperative and avoided confrontation, the charge – willful cruelty to a child, is a misdemeanor in California and could carry up to 6 months in prison.

Following the news, his office issued a statement saying “Joaquin is a committed father who wants what is best for his children. He is fully supportive of the process, which will show he is a loving and nurturing father.”

Arambula has been representing California’s District 31 in the State Assembly since he was first elected in 2016.