Former Salinas City Councilman Convicted In Domestic Violence Case

MONTEREY COUNTY, CA — A former Salinas City Councilman was convicted this week of felony kidnapping, domestic violence and stalking, but the Monterey County Superior Court jury could not reach a unanimous decision on charges of misdemeanor sexual battery, prosecutors said.

Jose Castañeda approached an ex-girlfriend in front of her home after midnight on Sept. 5, 2015, Monterey County prosecutors said. She refused to speak with him and Castañeda then dragged her to his mother's van
and drove her away. Castañeda struck the victim repeatedly then demanded her phone and social media passwords, but she refused and he continued to beat her, prosecutors said.

The victim was released and allowed to walk home after her battery died. She reported the assault two days later when Castañeda returned to her home. He faces up to nine years and eight months in prison when he goes to sentencing on June 22.

Castañeda was elected to the City Council in 2012 but lost in a bid for re-election last year. During his time in office, he was censured by his fellow council members who alleged he intimidated city staff, failed to pay a $5,000 fine related to a legal dispute over his refusal to resign from the Alisal Union School District board while also serving on the Council, and failed to complete state-mandated ethics training.

By Bay City News

Photo via Shutterstock