A Democratic assemblyman has been accused of dabbling in drugs, alcohol and having a gambling addiction as his wife’s bombshell divorce documents were made public.
Joaquin Arambula, who is running to be a councilmember on Fresno City Council, is in a legal battle with Elizabeth Arambula, who filed for divorce in January and wrote a lengthy appeal for child custody.
“For years, I have covered for Respondent’s struggles with alcohol, marijuana, and gaming, concealing them from our children, family, friends, and his professional circle,” Elizabeth Arambula said according to court documents, in which she is seeking spousal support for the couple’s three children, now aged 11, 14, and 15.
Fresno City Council elections have made headlines not just for this case, but also for allowing a convicted child sex offender to run for office — although his bid was eventually unsuccessful.
According to his wife Elizabeth Arambula, there were many days she drove him to work because he was under the influence, and that a government car sometimes drove him back home.
“On a typical day, he spent much of his time using his THC pen, drinking whiskey, playing games on his iPad, and taking a few meetings scattered throughout,” she wrote.
His wife also claims she has proof to support her allegations.
The petition shows Joaquin Arambula checked himself into rehab at Reflections Rehabilitation for approximately $30,000.
The politician responded to questions about his addiction and substance abuse.
“This is a very trying time for my family and me, and I ask for the public’s understanding,” he told the network.
“I voluntarily entered into and successfully completed a 30-day rehab program because I recognized I had a problem and chose to improve my life and be a better father to our children.”
While he was in rehabilitation, he said his wife moved out of their home and filed for divorce, ending their 15-year marriage.
He also claimed Elizabeth Arambula has refused to allow him to see their children unless certain financial and other demands are met.
“I am fighting in court for my rights as a father,” he said.
This is not the first time he and his family have made the news.
In 2018, he was arrested for child abuse for spanking his then-seven-year-old daughter, though he was later found not guilty.
His daughter had told a teacher about the alleged abuse, which led to a report being filed with Child Protective Services.
As he seeks to move up in local politics, the first Latino physician elected to the Fresno Assembly is now facing a legal battle.
“I have trust in our court system to reach a fair and impartial resolution based on the facts and not on unreasonable demands, unwarranted fears, and false accusations,” he said.
“I am prepared to demonstrate my continued sobriety to the court and my willingness to support my family.”
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