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(FOX40.COM) — A 22-year-old Turlock man, Ronaldo Hernandez, is demanding justice after he was beaten by Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office deputies in July.
A video of the incident was provided to FOX40 by the Taylor & Ring law firm, showing multiple deputies who were involved in detaining Hernandez.
Hernandez said he suffered multiple facial and bodily injuries as a result. The incident happened on July 20 at the Stanislaus County Fair.
“He had gone to just enjoy his time at the fair, like so many other residents in the community do,” said Neil Gehlawat, Hernandez’s attorney.
Hernandez, a recent college graduate, was at the Stanislaus County fair, spending time with friends and family, even attending a concert that night. When the concert ended, Hernandez was talking with friends when he suddenly felt a jolt.
“The next thing you know, he is being punched in the face and punched in the body and being thrown to the ground by Stanislaus County sheriff’s deputies,” said Gehlawat.
According to Gehlawat, Hernandez was then detained and taken to jail on charges of public intoxication and resisting arrest. However, those charges were later dropped due to a lack of evidence.
“One of the charges was public intoxication. And I think that was really upsetting to Ronaldo,” Gehlawat said. “He doesn’t drink.”
Hernandez, who read a statement to the media today, says the beating he endured has left lasting physical impacts. One of the issues was a shoulder injury, which prevented him from getting a job with the Turlock Unified School District.
“Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally,” Hernandez said. “What happened to me was more than just excessive force. It was an assault on my dignity, my sense of safety, and my trust in the system that’s supposed to protect us.”
Hernandez is now seeking justice and wants to see the deputies involved face consequences.
“It could take the form of the DA considering whether or not to file charges against the deputy for using excessive force,” Gehlawat said. “They had no right to do that.”
In response to the allegations, the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office sent FOX40 a statement, reading in part:
“We are aware of the incident and claim filed. However, as is standard practice, we will not comment on any pending litigation or personnel matters.”
FOX40 has also requested the body camera footage from the deputies involved, but has yet to receive that video. Stanislaus County has 45 days to respond to the government claim. If they do not or if the claim is rejected, Hernandez’s attorney says a federal lawsuit will be filed in Sacramento.
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Noah Anderson
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