Attorney General Becerra Announces Arraignment and Charges Against El Centro Mayor Edgard Garcia

Tuesday, June 18, 2019
Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

SACRAMENTO - California Attorney General Xavier Becerra today announced the arraignment of El Centro Mayor Edgard Garcia who was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. On May 7, 2019, Mr. Garcia was stopped and cited by a local police officer in El Centro for suspicion of driving under the influence. The Attorney General's complaint alleges that Mr. Garcia drove while under the influence of alcohol and with a blood alcohol level greater than .08 percent. The complaint also alleges Mr. Garcia's blood alcohol level was over .15 percent. 

“Driving under the influence and risking the lives of others is a crime that will be taken seriously,” said Attorney General Xavier Becerra.

The California Department of Justice accepted the case at the request of the Imperial County District Attorney’s Office because of a possible conflict of interest. On June 14, 2019, the California Department of Justice filed criminal charges against Mr. Garcia in Imperial County Superior Court. Today, Mr. Garcia was arraigned in El Centro.

It is important to note that a criminal complaint contains charges that are only allegations against a person. Every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

A copy of the complaint is available here.

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