RivCo Sheriff Slammed By 3 Assemblymembers Over 'Reckless' Comments

RIVERSIDE, CA — Three Democratic state lawmakers are calling on Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco to retract a statement he made over the weekend and issue a public apology, referring to his action as "reprehensible."

On Wednesday, Assemblymembers Sabrina Cervantes (D-Riverside), Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella), and Jose Medina (D-Riverside) released the following joint statement:

“We join with leaders throughout Riverside County in demanding Sheriff Bianco retract his false statement and issue a public apology to Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes and the residents of the City of Riverside.

"Implying that a local elected leader deserves to be arrested, without offering any evidence of wrongdoing, is an abuse of power and offends the American principle of the rule of law.

"It is reprehensible for our county’s chief law enforcement officer to recklessly publish false and inflammatory statements that place people in immediate danger and compromise the safety of fellow elected officials and their families.

"Riverside County residents deserve an honest and accountable sheriff, not a politically divisive ideologue who is willing to misuse his office and mislead the public by telling blatant lies," the statement read.

Assemblymember Cervantes is the sister of Councilmember Cervantes.

The demand by the state lawmakers follows alleged vandalism Saturday night of the Riverside Historic Courthouse at 4050 Main St. A small group of abortion rights protesters allegedly used "washable green paint" to place handprints on the historic building.

While a news release from the Riverside County Sheriff's Department provided a summary of the alleged incident, including names of arrestees, there was no mention of Councilmember Cervantes, but Bianco took to his social media accounts to incriminate her.

"I will always be a supporter of everyone's Constitutional rights until you break the law," the sheriff said. "Our downtown courthouse is a beautiful piece of history and art. When you damage, deface, or destroy property you are no longer a protester, you are nothing more than a common criminal. Shame on the Riverside city councilwoman for supporting the defacing of our courthouse. You are lucky we couldn't arrest you.

"As long as you keep electing me, this disgusting behavior will never be tolerated. We arrested 5 of the protesters for felony vandalism," he added.

Bianco updated the post with, "There have been a lot of comments and private messages about a councilwoman being present in support. I apologize to Councilwoman Gaby Plascencia and Erin Edwards if my post caused you unnecessary attention. It was Clarissa Cervantes who was present. (Not even her Ward)."

Councilmember Cervantes represents Ward 2, which includes the east side of the city.

The sheriff continued, "This is a very active investigation and anyone criminally culpable in any way will be held accountable."

In response, Councilmember Cervantes issued this statement Sunday, calling Bianco's accusation about her "false":

"While visiting downtown Riverside last night, I witnessed the arrest of protesters who vandalized our historic courthouse. I recognized one of the Riverside Police Department officers who were on the scene, so I spoke to him briefly to ask what was occurring and thank him for his work. Neither myself nor any of my City Council colleagues were involved with the protest or the vandalism.

"This morning I woke up to learn that Sheriff Chad Bianco had used his social media platforms to wrongfully accuse me of taking part in the vandalism.

"I believe that accusing an elected leader of committing a crime — without offering any evidence — crosses a very clear line. Since Sheriff Bianco's post went public, I've received slandering comments and threatening messages through social media.

"Riverside County deserves better from our elected Sheriff, and I'm calling on Sheriff Bianco to retract his previous statements and publicly apologize," the councilmember said.

As of early Wednesday afternoon, Bianco had not publicly apologized or issued updates.

Saturday's demonstration was organized by the Inland Empire chapter of Rise Up 4 Abortion Rights. Protesters were demanding that the federal government restore legal abortion nationwide in the wake of a Supreme Court overturning the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling.

Organizers of the demonstration said that around 20 people showed up to the "small peaceful" protest. Footage taken at the scene shows Riverside County sheriff's deputies handcuffing several people on the steps of the courthouse.

Organizers of the demonstration said protesters used washable green paint to place the handprints on the walls of the courthouse and chalk to write messages on the pavement around it.