A bizarre and alarming lawsuit has emerged from Riverside County, California, where a fitness influencer alleges that a sheriff’s deputy stalked her by misusing his position to access her personal information. Briana Ortega, a 29-year-old mother with a significant following on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, has filed a federal lawsuit against the county and several individuals, claiming they violated her civil rights in a disturbing series of events that began two years ago.
According to the lawsuit, Ortega first encountered Deputy Eric Piscatella at a family festival in the Coachella area in September 2023. During what should have been a harmless interaction, Piscatella offered stickers to Ortega’s children and subsequently obtained her name. However, this brief meeting reportedly escalated into months of unwanted attention and harassment.
The lawsuit details how Piscatella, while on duty, allegedly accessed law enforcement databases to gather Ortega’s personal information without her consent. He reportedly conducted searches using the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) computers and even showed up at her home in uniform, armed, under the false pretense of investigating a crime. In these encounters, he allegedly made inappropriate romantic advances towards Ortega, furthering her distress.
The complaint outlines several claims against Piscatella and the county, including civil rights violations, failure to supervise, and misuse of the computer systems. It asserts that other deputies, including Deputy Martinez Moreno, witnessed Piscatella’s misconduct yet failed to act or report it, suggesting a culture of silence within the department regarding such abuses.
Ortega’s lawsuit highlights the broader implications of these alleged actions on public trust in law enforcement. Trial attorney Adante Pointer, who discussed the case in detail, emphasized how such behavior undermines community confidence in police and can lead to a perception that officers are above the law.
The allegations against Piscatella are serious. He has already pled guilty to multiple counts related to his misuse of department resources, resulting in a conviction. Despite the gravity of the accusations, he received a relatively lenient sentence of probation and community service, which has raised concerns about accountability within law enforcement.
Ortega expressed fear of retaliation when asked about her reluctance to testify against Piscatella, a sentiment not uncommon among victims of stalking and harassment, particularly when the perpetrator is a law enforcement officer. This dynamic complicates the pursuit of justice and raises questions about the support systems in place for victims.
The lawsuit not only seeks to hold Piscatella accountable but also aims to address systemic issues within the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. Ortega’s legal team argues that there were no effective policies or training in place to prevent such abuses of power, allowing deputies to misuse their authority without fear of repercussions.
The county has filed a response to the lawsuit, denying the allegations and asserting various affirmative defenses, including claims of governmental immunity. This legal strategy underscores the challenges plaintiffs face when attempting to hold law enforcement accountable for their actions.
As the lawsuit unfolds, it will explore critical issues surrounding the intersection of law enforcement authority and personal privacy rights. The outcome may have significant implications for how similar cases are handled in the future and whether victims like Ortega can find justice against those who abuse their power.
