Sonoma County Sheriff Steve Freitas was notified today of the investigative findings of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and United States Department of Justice regarding Deputy Erick Gelhaus and the shooting death of Andy Lopez in October, 2013.
The FBI conducted an independent review of the actions of Deputy Gelhaus. The Sheriff, District Attorney, and Santa Rosa Police Department welcomed and cooperated with this additional investigation. The FBI investigation, which was reviewed by the United States Department of Justice, concluded that there were no federal civil rights violations. The FBI’s report supports the findings of the Sonoma County District Attorney and our own internal investigation.
Sheriff Steve Freitas and the members of the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office are pleased that all the investigations into the matter have been completed.
The Sheriff again expresses his sincere appreciation to the other law enforcement agencies who conducted investigations and reviews on this case: Santa Rosa Police Department, Petaluma Police Department, Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office, FBI, and United States Department of Justice. The Sheriff reaffirms his support and confidence in Deputy Gelhaus and the work done by the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office to provide public safety services to the citizens of Sonoma County.
