LOS ANGELES (AP) — A federal judge has dismissed a criminal case against a popular Los Angeles TikTok streamer, citing constitutional violations after his lawyers were denied access to him while he was in immigration detention.
U.S. District Judge Fernando Olguin issued a ruling Saturday dismissing an indictment against Carlitos Ricardo Parias, who is known for documenting police and immigration enforcement activity online. Parias’ rights were violated when federal authorities repeatedly failed to allow his criminal defense lawyers to visit or speak with him in immigration detention so he could prepare for trial this week, Olguin wrote, adding that the dismissal was with prejudice, which prevents the government from refiling the same charges against him again.
“In short, the government’s failure to coordinate the overlapping actions of its separate agencies while relentlessly pursuing Mr. Parias’s criminal proceedings created a situation from which constitutional violations could — and did — occur,” Olguin wrote.
The U.S. Attorney’s office in Los Angeles stated that the agency is evaluating its options for appeal, expressing disagreement with the court's decision.
Parias was initially indicted on charges including assault on a federal officer using a deadly weapon, but the ruling offers him a reprieve as he remains a vital voice in South Los Angeles, especially amongst his followers on TikTok, where he shares insights on ongoing immigration issues.
