Although District Attorney John Sarsfield promised to unmask the
anonymous group Los Valientes by mid-July, he says he’s still
trudging through the court system in his crusade to reveal the
elusive members’ identities.
Hollister – Although District Attorney John Sarsfield promised to unmask the anonymous group Los Valientes by mid-July, he says he’s still trudging through the court system in his crusade to reveal the elusive members’ identities.
Next Wednesday marks the deadline for members of the group to hand over Sarsfield’s discovery demands, he said.
Sarsfield plans to unveil the members’ identities through a lawsuit filed against the group for what he claims is a campaign of intimidation and harassment against private citizens and governmental officials.
The prosecutor is suing the members, who along with Salinas-based attorney Michael Pekin, filed a lawsuit against San Benito County and former Supervisor Richard Scagliotti. The Los Valientes suit alleged governmental corruption, and Sarsfield is suing them for an estimated $500,000 in damages they have allegedly inflicted on members of the community. Sarsfield is suing the group for filing false suits against public officials and private citizens with the intent of profiting financially.
If Sarsfield prevails in the suit and the members are ordered to pay up, Sarsfield said the money will go into county coffers.
However, Pekin claims Sarsfield’s suit is pointless because the group doesn’t exist anymore. He also believes no judge will order members to disclose their identities because they are protected under the constitution to petition the government anonymously if they believe it has committed some type of wrongdoing.
Erin Musgrave covers public safety for the Free Lance. Reach her at 637-5566, ext. 336 or [email protected]
