On Monday, the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office has charged city council president Nelson Esparza with attempted extortion.
Press Announcement:
Today, July 18, 2022, Nelson Orlando Esparza, 31 of Fresno, was charged in a felony complaint with one count of attempted extortion and one count of attempting to violate Section 803 of the Fresno City Charter, the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office has announced.
Councilmember Esparza is alleged to have threatened the employment of former Fresno City Attorney Douglas Sloan, implying that Sloan would be fired unless he agreed to work strictly for the council majority.
If convicted of this charge, Councilmember Esparza faces potential fines, jail time, or up to 3 years imprisonment in state prison.
This matter will be prosecuted by Senior Deputy District Attorney Victor Lai with the Fresno County District Attorney’s Public Integrity Unit.
With charges now pending, the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office will have no further comment at this time
Meanwhile, back in May/June, 2022:
- July 18, 2022 – Charges Announced by District Attorney
- Nelson Esparza vs. Garry Bredefeld
- June 27, 2022: Fresno City Council President Nelson Esparza dropping defamation lawsuit against Garry Bredefeld
- May 16, 2022: Fresno city council president sues councilmember for defamation over ‘extortion’ claims
- May 13, 2022: Fresno City councilmember Garry Bredefeld accusing Nelson Esparza of extortion
