The leader of the California Assembly responded to child abuse allegations against Assemblyman Joaquin Arambula calling the claims 'troubling.'
“The allegation made against Assemblymember Arambula is troubling and warrants full investigation,” Anthony Rendon said in a statement. “As I’ve consistently maintained, I believe in due process prior to coming to a final judgment.”
Arambula was arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor child cruelty Monday after Child Protective Services called police to his 7-year-old daughter’s school, the Fresno Bee reports.
Arambula has said he doesn't plan on quitting the Legislature although the Fresno County Republican Party has called on Rendon to ask Arambula to resign. He admits to spanking his daughter for acting out the night before but doesn’t believe he did anything criminal.
According to the Fresno Police Report, Arambula’s daughter was injured in an area that was not her buttocks.
“It is important for people to know that when you discipline a child, and you spank them on the buttocks, it is perfectly allowable by law,” Fresno police Chief Jerry Dyer said. “However, when the level of discipline rises to the level where there is an injury, then that is a violation of the law.”
If convicted, Arambula could face up to six months in jail and a possible probation term.