Joseph Iniguez, the current No. 2 prosecutor in Los Angeles, was arrested in 2021 after interrupting police during a traffic stop and falsely claiming to be a lawyer. Newly released video footage of the incident has sparked concerns about his fitness for office.
FIRST ON FOX: Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon's top aide, Joseph Iniguez, was arrested in 2021 after interrupting police during a traffic stop involving his fiancé. Iniguez, who now serves as the No. 2 prosecutor in the city, was caught on video repeatedly interfering with the officers.
The footage, recently obtained by Fox News Digital, shows Iniguez, who was riding shotgun, questioning the officers' authority and falsely claiming to be a lawyer. Iniguez, then Gascon's chief of staff, urged the officers to check his license plates, which could have revealed his connection to the district attorney's office.
L.A. DA's Top Aide Arrested for Public Intoxication, Perjury
"Run our plates, and see what you find," he said. "Honestly. I'm not saying anything, just see what you find."
Iniguez also repeatedly instructed his fiancé not to speak with the officers, despite the fact that she was the driver of the vehicle. After the driver was arrested, Iniguez was taken into custody as well.
L.A. DA's Top Aide Arrested for Public Intoxication, Perjury
"Sir, you're currently in public, and you're intoxicated," an officer can be heard saying on the video. "You're being placed under arrest right now."
Iniguez has since been promoted to chief deputy district attorney. His 2021 arrest has raised ethical concerns, as prosecutors are prohibited from assisting in the defense of suspected criminals under California law.
L.A. DA's Top Aide Arrested for Public Intoxication, Perjury
"A district attorney shall not during his incumbency defend or assist in the defense of, or act as counsel for, any person accused of any crime in any county," the code reads.
In addition to the public intoxication charge, Iniguez is also facing allegations of perjury for falsely claiming to be a lawyer during the traffic stop. The newly released video footage is likely to intensify scrutiny of his conduct.
L.A. DA's Top Aide Arrested for Public Intoxication, Perjury
Iniguez's arrest is just one in a series of controversies surrounding the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office under Gascon. His top aide, Diana Teran, is facing an 11-count felony indictment for allegedly accessing and using confidential law enforcement information.
The Association of Deputy District Attorneys, the county prosecutors' union, has named both Iniguez and Teran in a 2022 lawsuit alleging that they ordered subordinates to break the law.
L.A. DA's Top Aide Arrested for Public Intoxication, Perjury
Gascon's office has been criticized for its progressive policies, including a directive to drop charges for certain low-level crimes. Critics have argued that these policies have led to increased crime and decreased public safety.
The release of the video footage of Iniguez's arrest is likely to fuel further debate about the conduct of the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office and the suitability of its top aides for their positions.
L.A. DA's Top Aide Arrested for Public Intoxication, Perjury
