Fresno County deputy charged with misdemeanor battery, sheriff confirms. He’s not on leave
A Fresno County deputy has been charged with misdemeanor battery, Fresno County Sheriff John Zanoni confirmed in a statement Friday.
Deputy Eric Schmidt, 47, was charged Tuesday related to an incident from Feb. 15, according to court records. Few details on the case were immediately available.
Fresno police responded to the incident and conducted an investigation that was turned over to the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office, Fresno Lt. Bill Dooley said in a statement.
Zanoni issued a statement.
“I want to remind everyone that the sheriff’s office takes all allegations seriously and will ensure that a thorough administrative investigation is conducted in this case,” Zanoni said in the statement.
Schmidt denies the charge and looks forward to an exoneration in court, according to a statement issued about 5:45 p.m. from the attorney representing him, Christopher Shea.
Schmidt is the president of the Fresno County Deputy Sheriff’s Association. He’s been a deputy for more than 26 years, according to his LinkedIn page.
The union also issued a statement.
“The Fresno DSA is disappointed by the decision of the Tulare County District Attorney to file what appears to be a baseless charge against deputy Eric Schmidt,” the statement said. “We fully and firmly support Eric and look forward to his ultimate vindication.”
Schmidt has not been placed on paid administrative leave, Zanoni said.
Schmidt is married to Sontaya Rose, the communications director for the city of Fresno.
This story was originally published September 22, 2023 at 12:48 PM.
