Suspicious Cop Activity During California DUI Arrests

Personnel files of two Chico CA cops being reviewed by a judge.

The personnel records of two officers with the Chico Police Department are being examined by a judge in response to complaints filed by those arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence in California. Officers Travis Johnsen and Anthony Ferreira are alleged to have exaggerated or fabricated the reasons they stopped motorists and they purportedly failed to inform motorists of their legal option to a breath test, instead coercing them into submitting to a blood test. In addition, several women claim gender bias and inappropriate touching.

Over the city's objections, Butte County Superior Court Judge Gerald Hermansen ruled on Monday that there was enough cause to warrant a full review of the officer’s personnel files.

Many of the CA DUI suspects complained that the officers falsified police reports and written court declarations and gave false testimony in order to justify the traffic stop and arrest. Four women claim the officers followed them from local bars, and in one case touched the suspect multiple times in an inappropriate manner.

After discerning a pattern of potential abuse, a California DUI defense attorney placed an ad seeking complaints from other DUI suspects. That effort revealed similar acts and omissions perpetrated by the same two Chico law officers. A total of 37 cases of drunk driving are under review as a result.

During a two year period, Officers Johnsen and Ferreira reportedly made more than 600 arrests between the two of them for suspicion of drunk driving in Butte County. As a result, they were recently honored by Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

A hearing has been set where defense lawyers will receive the contact information of anyone who has filed a complaint against either officer. Rather than making a finding on the DUI suspects' allegations, the judge is expected to issue a determination regarding the officers’ credibility in DUI cases.

Have you been arrested in Butte County, CA for DUI?