Kerman Mayor Maria Pacheco is facing stalking allegations from a Fresno man who says she followed and confronted him because she believed he was an ICE officer.
Eric Bridges, a hairdresser who has never worked for ICE in any capacity, according to his attorney, captured part of the Oct. 14 encounter on video.
Video recorded by Bridges shows his encounter with a woman who appears to be Pacheco.
Roger Bonakdar, an attorney representing Bridges, said his client is a regular civilian.
“My client is a middle-aged father, grandfather, hairdresser. There was nothing about him that any reasonable person would suggest he was ICE.”
According to a complaint made by Bridges, he was heading toward Kearny Park when he noticed an orange Nissan tailgating him and following him into the park.
Bridges said that when he parked, the orange vehicle blocked him in and someone inside took pictures. He said the vehicle then went around so the two vehicles were face-to-face and more photos were taken.
Bridges then decided to leave.
“Follows him for another 15 minutes, several miles. He’s trying to get away from this person,” Bonakdar said.
Bridges eventually drove to a family member’s home in southwest Fresno, hoping to get to safety. Bonakdar alleges Pacheco followed him to the home.
Surveillance video shows the orange Nissan behind Bridges, who was driving a white SUV. As Bridges parked outside the home, the Nissan pulled up beside him.
“Only to find out that this is some person who thinks they’re a vigilante and who says to them ‘You’re in my hood’,” Bonakdar said.
Bridges alleges that during the confrontation, Pacheco said, “Don’t worry about who I am, I’m someone important,” and added, “I’m looking for ICE and you look like ICE.”
Bonakdar said his client has received threats and negative messages since the encounter.
“He’s been told not to go to his grandchildren’s soccer games because some people think he’s against the community.”
Earlier this month, Pacheco confronted ICE agents outside La Princessa Real Bakery.
Pacheco is currently running for Fresno County supervisor in District 1. Action News reached out to Pacheco but was sent to voicemail.
A formal complaint has been sent to the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office and Fresno Police Department.
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