Supervisors Sound Off on Arrest of Fellow Supervisor Efren Carrillo

By Bay City News Service

Sonoma County supervisors commented this morning on the arrest of Supervisor Efren Carrillo for allegedly prowling outside a woman's west Santa Rosa home on July 13.

At the board's first public meeting since Carrillo's arrest, the supervisors called his alleged behavior "heartbreaking" and "unacceptable."

Carrillo is undergoing treatment at a rehabilitation facility and was not present at this morning's meeting.

Reading from a written statement, Board Chairman David Rabbit said he was "horribly disappointed and dismayed" when he heard about the incident.

"I also believe the entire organization and most throughout our county were shocked and saddened as well," Rabbitt said.

"First and foremost, our thoughts are with the victim," Rabbit said. "A woman who was so frightened she called 911 not once but twice."

"I hope and trust she is receiving the support she deserves and the trauma of the evening fades as quickly as possible," Rabbitt said.

Santa Rosa police said a woman who lives in the area of Stony Point Road and West Third Street called 911 at about 3:40 a.m. on July 13 to report that someone had tried to enter her bedroom through a window. She called police again and said the person had knocked on her front door and identified himself as a neighbor before running away.

Officers responded and arrested Carrillo, who police said was wearing only socks and underwear and carrying a cellphone. The 32-year-old supervisor lives nearby in the 300 block of Brockhurst Drive.

Police said the screen on the victim's bedroom window had been torn enough so that someone could reach in and try to open the window. The woman said she was awakened by the sound of blinds moving.

Carrillo was arrested on suspicion of prowling and burglary.

In a statement after his arrest, Carrillo called his behavior "embarrassing." He said it was alcohol-related and that he was seeking professional help. His attorney Chris Andrian confirmed that Carrillo was admitted to a substance abuse center.

To avoid a conflict of interest, the state Attorney General's Office is handling the case rather than the Sonoma County District Attorney's Office.

State prosecutors have not yet filed charges against Carrillo, the county's 5th District supervisor. His next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 30 in Sonoma County Superior Court.

Rabbitt said that regardless of the outcome of the case, public officials must be held to a higher standard.

"Elected officials should not put themselves in compromising situations, whether ultimately criminal or not.

"It is my hope that Supervisor Carrillo gets the help he needs. That he addresses the issues which need to be addressed," Rabbitt said.

Supervisor Shirlee Zane said she hopes Carrillo finds empathy for the woman and is sincerely remorseful.

"I do not celebrate his fall from leadership, I mourn it," Zane said.

Zane and Supervisor Susan Gorin said the incident violated the woman's right to feel safe in her home.

Gorin said she wishes Carrillo well.

"He's been an amazing colleague and representative for the county for so many reasons," she said. She said she has been reviewing the rules regarding dismissal of a public official for conduct that discredits the county.

Supervisor Mike McGuire said Carrillo's alleged behavior was "disturbing and unacceptable," and he said he was "shocked and saddened" by the arrest.

"He clearly has a serious problem and needs to address these issues," McGuire said.