District Attorney John Sarsfield on Tuesday pleaded with the
Board of Supervisors to provide some sort of security for his
family, saying a recent alleged assault on his juvenile son is
reason to believe a person or group poses a threat to their
safety.
Hollister – District Attorney John Sarsfield on Tuesday pleaded with the Board of Supervisors to provide some sort of security for his family, saying a recent alleged assault on his juvenile son is reason to believe a person or group poses a threat to their safety.
During the discussion he requested, an agitated Sarsfield told the board he’s been subjected to a “growing pattern of harassment” the past two years. He named off several allegations of abuse toward him and said the string of incidents are connected.
The request came two months after his dogs were poisoned with antifreeze and later died. During his speech, Sarsfield mentioned the poisonings, a verbal assault in a courtroom on a deputy DA in 2003, “abusive legal” action against him and accusations that his office tampered evidence.
“I need your help,” Sarsfield told the board.
He asked if local law enforcement could provide his family with special security. He told supervisors the county is obligated to protect employees subjected to danger related to their work performance.
Sarsfield didn’t specify what type of security he wants – or how much it could cost. Sheriff’s Lt. Pat Turturici did say police in recent days increased patrol in the district attorney’s neighborhood.
“I’m not an expert in security,” Sarsfield said.
Supervisors, however, took no official action, instead requesting that the Hollister Police Department and Sheriff’s Department work with Sarsfield on the matter, and that they report back soon.
It’s unclear what may have happened to his son – or even when. Because his boy’s a minor, police asked him not to comment on details of the incident, Sarsfield said.
“I don’t wish to go into the details of what happened, so please don’t ask,” said Sarsfield, who requested the discussion for closed session but was told by the county’s lawyer that wouldn’t be legal.
Hollister Police Chief Jeff Miller attended the board meeting Tuesday and told supervisors he couldn’t comment on details of the case. He reiterated that stance later in the day. And Turturici couldn’t be reached after the meeting Tuesday.
Although he has accused supporters of a campaign to recall him for the dog poisonings – for which nobody was arrested – he said after Tuesday’s meeting he doesn’t believe they were involved with the alleged assault on his son.
Even though he described several allegations – which he said show a history of abuse toward him – Sarsfield later said the recently alleged assault was the sole reason for the security request.
“That’s what prompted this,” Sarsfield said. “That’s what caused that hearing.”
Supervisors expressed a willingness to help if necessary. Supervisor Bob Cruz indicated the board would fund added security for Sarsfield’s family. Supervisor Reb Monaco suggested the route the board eventually took – to let the law enforcement agencies handle it.
“It’s not going to be cheap, I guarantee you,” Cruz said during the meeting. “But we do have an obligation.”
Supervisor Ruth Kesler reminded Sarsfield that all elected officials have to remain guarded. She mentioned how she installed an electric gate at her home in the San Juan Canyon when she was elected.
“So keep yourself armed, and I think you know what I mean,” Kesler told Sarsfield.
Kollin Kosmicki covers politics for the Free Lance. Reach him at 637-5566, ext. 331, or
kk*******@fr***********.com
.
