At a Glance
- Bobby Nunez, 33, acquitted of theft of government property after towing a law-enforcement SUV during a TikTok arrest in downtown Los Angeles.
- The incident occurred on Aug. 15 at the Da Vinci Apartments, where federal immigration agents were detaining Tatiana Mafla-Martinez, 23, a Colombian national.
- The jury deliberated for more than three hours and found Nunez not guilty after a four-day trial.
- Why it matters: The verdict highlights the limits on towing government vehicles during law-enforcement operations and the jury’s role in federal prosecutions.
The case centers on an August 15 incident at the Da Vinci Apartments in downtown Los Angeles, where federal immigration agents were arresting a TikTok user when a local tow truck driver, Bobby Nunez, allegedly towed a government SUV. A federal jury ultimately found Nunez not guilty of one count of theft of government property after a four-day trial and over three hours of deliberation. The verdict, reported by News Of Austin, underscores the legal boundaries surrounding the use of government vehicles during law-enforcement actions.
The Incident
On Aug. 15, federal immigration agents used two government vehicles to box in Tatiana Mafla-Martinez‘s car at the exit of the Da Vinci Apartments parking structure. Emergency lights were activated to prevent her from leaving, while the agents pinned her to the ground as she live-streamed the arrest on TikTok. Video from the scene showed one of the government SUVs being towed away as the agents carried out the arrest.
According to U.S. Attorney’s Office press release, the agents used two government vehicles to block the exit.
- The agents used two government vehicles to block the exit.
- Emergency lights were turned on to stop the suspect from escaping.
- The suspect, Tatiana Mafla-Martinez, was pinned to the ground.
- The incident was live-streamed on TikTok.
- Video captured a government SUV being towed during the arrest.
The Trial
The trial began on Sept. 18 and lasted four days, concluding with a verdict on Sept. 22. A federal jury deliberated for more than three hours before returning a not-guilty decision on the single charge of theft of government property. The case was overseen by a U.S. District Judge in Los Angeles.
- Jury convened on Sept. 18.
- Trial duration: four days.
- Verdict delivered on Sept. 22.
- Deliberation time: more than three hours.
- Charge: one count of theft of government property.
Defense Strategy
Defense attorneys, Deputy Federal Public Defenders Rebecca Harris and David Menninger, argued that the law-enforcement vehicle was obstructing the driveway to the apartment complex. They contended that Nunez moved the SUV only one block away and returned it within 13 minutes. The defense presented video evidence showing the vehicle’s brief displacement.
- Vehicle was blocking the driveway.
- Nunez moved it one block away.
- SUV returned within 13 minutes.
- Video evidence of brief displacement.
- Emphasis on minimal impact on law-enforcement operation.
Prosecution Allegations
Federal prosecutors alleged that Nunez interfered with the arrest by pressing the passenger-side door of Tatiana Mafla-Martinez‘s vehicle against an officer. They further claimed he towed one of the law-enforcement vehicles while agents were distracted by another individual who approached the scene. The prosecution contended that these actions constituted theft of government property.
- Pressed passenger-side door against an officer.
- Towed a government vehicle.
- Agents were distracted by another individual.
- Alleged theft of government property.
- Evidence cited from video footage.
Jury Deliberations and Verdict
The jury deliberated for more than three hours before reaching a unanimous decision. They found Nunez not guilty of the single charge of theft of government property. The verdict was delivered after a four-day trial and was reported by News Of Austin.
- Deliberation: more than three hours.
- Verdict: not guilty.
- Charge: one count of theft of government property.
- Trial length: four days.
- Verdict reported by News Of Austin.
Reactions
Defense attorneys expressed relief at the jury’s decision, emphasizing the importance of judicial oversight. The attorneys thanked the jurors for their service as a safeguard against prosecutorial overreach. Their statement was quoted by News Of Austin.
Harris and Menninger stated:
> “We thank the jurors for their service as an essential backstop against prosecutorial overreach in our constitutional system,”
Legal Implications
Nunez was initially charged with theft of government property, a felony that carries a statutory maximum sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison if convicted. The acquittal means he faces no penalty for the alleged offense. The case illustrates the legal boundaries for towing government vehicles during law-enforcement operations.
- Felony charge: theft of government property.
- Statutory maximum sentence: 10 years.
- Acquittal removes penalty.
- Highlights limits on towing government vehicles.
- Emphasizes jury’s role in federal cases.
Timeline
| Date | Event | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Aug. 15 | Incident at Da Vinci Apartments | Towing of SUV |
| Sept. 2 | Nunez arrested on federal complaint | Charge filed |
| Sept. 18-22 | Trial in Los Angeles | Acquittal |
Key Takeaways
- Bobby Nunez was found not guilty of theft of government property.
- The incident involved towing a government SUV during a TikTok-streamed arrest.
- The jury deliberated for more than three hours in a four-day trial.
- The case underscores limits on towing government vehicles during law-enforcement actions.
- The verdict was reported by News Of Austin.
The acquittal of Bobby Nunez marks a significant outcome in a high-profile case involving law-enforcement operations and civil rights. It reinforces the jury’s authority to scrutinize federal charges and the boundaries of government vehicle use. The verdict, announced by News Of Austin, may influence future cases involving similar circumstances.
