A civil case alleging sexual abuse by Watsonville City Councilmember Jimmy Dutra, who is running for reelection this fall, is finally moving forward nearly two years after the complaint was first filed. Jury selection will continue through Wednesday and trial proceedings are expected to begin next week.
Jimmy Dutra civil suit
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz County District 4 Supervisor: Felipe Hernandez opens up 11-point lead over Jimmy Dutra
Felipe Hernandez held an 11-point lead over Jimmy Dutra with 3,482 votes counted as of early Wednesday in the race for 4th District Santa Cruz County Supervisor.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
‘Anti-establishment’ Dutra swerves to offense: ‘I’m not going to flip-flop to win votes’
Embattled District 4 Santa Cruz County Supervisor candidate Jimmy Dutra didn’t shy away from highlighting what he feels are key differences between him and opponent Felipe Hernandez at a recent forum. Dutra was believed to hold a commanding lead before charges alleging he molested a 12-year-old family friend when he was 30, 17 years ago, surfaced on Oct. 5. Can he survive the political tempest? He told Lookout he believes he can.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
About ‘money, revenge’: Dutra, supporters fire back against what they say are ‘false, untrue accusations’
Watsonville City Council member and 4th District Santa Cruz County Supervisor candidate Jimmy Dutra says a civil lawsuit claiming he molested a 12-year-old when he was 30 is related to a six-year estate battle he recently finalized with his late father’s “disgruntled girlfriend.”
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Dutra’s accuser opens up: Stephen Siefke explains why he is coming forth now, 17 years later
When he was 12 years old, on a trip to Southern California with family friends, Stephen Siefke says his life changed in ways he is still trying to process 17 years later with the help of weekly therapy and a supportive family. He alleged in a civil suit filed last week, and to Lookout on Monday, that 4th District supervisor candidate Jimmy Dutra, then 30, sexually assaulted him on that trip.
Posted inLatest News
Civil filing accuses county supervisor candidate Jimmy Dutra of sexual abuse
In a filing in Santa Cruz Superior Court this week, Jimmy Dutra is accused of abuse in Los Angeles in 2005, when Dutra was 30 and plaintiff Stephen Siefke was 12. Dutra, a member of the Watsonville City Council, issued a statement saying the case, filed just before early voting for the 4th District County Supervisor seat begins, is without merit.