Allegations Surface in Explosive Divorce Filing Against California Assemblymember
Divorce documents filed by Elizabeth Arambula have brought forth startling accusations against her estranged husband, California Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula, who is also campaigning for Fresno City Council. The filings detail claims of stalking, control, and alleged addiction issues that have emerged during the couple’s 15-year marriage.
Elizabeth Arambula has alleged that while her husband was undergoing treatment in a rehabilitation facility, he orchestrated a campaign to monitor her movements and control her access to their home. She claims that Joaquin Arambula, 48, utilized his father to keep tabs on her and even attempted to follow her to her new residence after she moved out with their three daughters.
Control and Surveillance During Rehabilitation
According to Elizabeth Arambula’s sworn statement, the situation escalated to a point where she felt compelled to confront her father-in-law directly. She stated, “I had to approach his father and demand he leave or I would call law enforcement.” The divorce papers further detail how Joaquin Arambula allegedly took control of the home’s alarm system from within the rehabilitation facility. He is accused of removing Elizabeth from the account and remotely monitoring their activity and arming the alarm.
Adding to the allegations, Elizabeth Arambula claims that her husband coerced one of their daughters into downloading a tracking application onto her phone. This, she alleges, was done so Joaquin Arambula could constantly know their whereabouts.
Claims of Financial Mismanagement and Addiction
Beyond the alleged surveillance and control tactics, the divorce documents also present accusations of significant financial mismanagement and addiction. Elizabeth Arambula claims her husband has been spending thousands of dollars monthly on mobile gaming, specifically citing “Raid: Shadow Legends,” where he allegedly spent approximately $4,700 in a single month. She also alleges an addiction to his THC pen and whiskey. She reportedly has video evidence from a Ring home security camera showing him smoking marijuana via a vape pen.
The financial details revealed in the divorce papers paint a picture of substantial earnings and expenses. Elizabeth Arambula states her husband earns $12,000 per month from his assemblyman salary and receives an additional $6,000 per diem for eight months of the year when the Assembly is in session. She asserts that the monthly expenses for herself and their three daughters total $28,000. Furthermore, she claims Joaquin Arambula has siphoned $1 million from their joint accounts.
Elizabeth Arambula’s attorney, Zeppy Attashian, commented on the situation, stating, “After multiple attempts to reach an agreement with Dr. Arambula, she was left with no choice but to seek the court’s assistance. Ms. Arambula has been a devoted stay-at-home mother and wife for the past 15 years, and it remains her sincere hope that Dr. Arambula will do the right thing for her and their children.”
Assemblymember’s Response and Past Incidents
In his court documents, Joaquin Arambula has countered some of the allegations. He claims he has been prevented from seeing his children and asserts that his entry into a rehabilitation program was voluntary. He stated, “I just felt I needed some help to adjust and to make sure that I didn’t become dependent on alcohol or marijuana.” He expressed confidence in the court system to achieve a fair resolution based on facts, free from “unreasonable demands, unwarranted fears, and false accusations.” He also affirmed his readiness to demonstrate continued sobriety and his commitment to supporting his family.
The filings also bring to light a past incident involving Joaquin Arambula. In 2018, he was arrested on child abuse charges related to spanking his then seven-year-old daughter. Although he was later found not guilty, the report was initiated after his daughter disclosed the alleged abuse to a teacher, leading to an investigation by Child Protective Services. Elizabeth Arambula also alleges that she frequently drove him to work due to his being under the influence, and that a government vehicle sometimes transported him home.
Joaquin Arambula holds a significant place in California politics as the first Latino physician elected to the Fresno Assembly. His campaign for Fresno City Council adds another layer of public scrutiny to these unfolding personal and legal matters.
