Sheriff Bianco's Vandalism Allegations 'False,' Councilmember Claims

RIVERSIDE, CA — A small group of abortion rights protesters was arrested over the weekend after members allegedly used "washable green paint" to place handprints on the Riverside Historic Courthouse. While a news release from the Riverside County Sheriff's Department provided a summary of Saturday night's alleged incident, there was no mention of Riverside Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes. However, Sheriff Chad 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)."

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, 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," the councilwoman said. "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," Cervantes continued.

"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," Cervantes said.

As of Monday morning, Bianco had not issued an apology or further updates.

According to the news release from the sheriff's department, eight people were arrested and booked on suspicion of felony vandalism and felony conspiracy to commit a crime. Three of the arrestees were from Riverside County. According to the sheriff's department, the others were from San Bernardino, Los Angeles and Orange counties:

• Alexandria Fite, a 22-year-old resident of Upland
• Idil Aston, a 25-year-old resident of Moreno Valley
• Christian Rangel, a 23-year-old resident of Placentia
• Elise Kelder, a 28-year-old resident of Corona
• Aida Aston, a 32-year-old resident of Moreno Valley
• Oliver Solares, a 24-year-old resident of Bellflower
• Alexandria Ortega, a 18-year-old resident of Apple Valley
• Alexander Castro, a 22-year-old resident of Fullerton

Those jailed were held on $10,000 bail. All were free on bond, according to Monday's jail records.

Saturday's demonstration occurred at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the courthouse, 4050 Main St., and 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.

On Sunday, Olivia Merritt, an organizer with Rise Up 4 Abortion Rights, responded to the booking charges of those arrested. "These charges are excessive and outrageous. Last night, a small group of protesters used temporary chalk and kid's paint to make a political statement: Forced Motherhood Is Female Enslavement! These messages were easily removed. Calling people gathering for a protest a conspiracy is aimed at suppressing political speech. When people everywhere need to be demanding Abortion On Demand and Without Apology, no one should accept this."