Hollister
– Prosecutors on Friday asked the sheriff’s office for more
information to support a recommendation that criminal charges be
filed against San Juan Bautista City Councilman George Dias, who
was arrested April 14 for assaulting a deputy.
Hollister – Prosecutors on Friday asked the sheriff’s office for more information to support a recommendation that criminal charges be filed against San Juan Bautista City Councilman George Dias, who was arrested April 14 for assaulting a deputy.
The San Benito County Sheriff’s Office arrested Dias, 45, on suspicion of assaulting a peace officer on April 14.
District Attorney Candice Hooper said she will wait to receive the additional information before making a decision about charging Dias.
Lt. Roy Iler said the sheriff’s office will provide Hooper with more witnesses to the altercation between Dias and Deputy Jason Leist.
Iler said Dias refused to follow Leist’s directions at the scene of a fire in the 600 block of Mission Vineyard Road. A scuffle ensued and Leist was injured. The deputy received five stitches to his left ear and three on his left cheek.
Dias has declined to comment on his arrest.
Hooper said she received the sheriff’s arrest report on Wednesday.
The report recommended three felony charges, including battery on a peace officer resulting in injury, battery with serious bodily injury and obstructing an executive officer.
Under state law, Dias would have to give up his council seat if he’s convicted of a felony, San Juan Bautista City Manager Jan McClintock said.
The sheriff’s office had also recommended charges of resisting arrest and interfering with a firefighter, both misdemeanors.
Michael Van Cassell covers public safety for the Free Lance. He can be reached at 831-637-5566 ext. 335 or [email protected].
