A Los Angeles tow truck driver accused of towing a federal SUV during an immigration enforcement operation was found not guilty by a federal jury Friday.
Bobby Nuñez, 33, was arrested and charged with theft of government property in connection with the mid-August arrest captured on video outside a downtown Los Angeles apartment complex.
The four-day trial concluded Friday afternoon with Nuñez being acquitted of the single charge. The 33-year-old was free on bond before the trial, according to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.
“We are pleased to confirm that the jury exonerated our client Bobby Nunez. We thank the jurors for their service as an essential backstop against prosecutorial overreach in our constitutional system,” wrote Nuñez’s attorney in a statement to NBC4.
Federal agents responded Aug. 15 to the residence to arrest 23-year-old Tatiana Mafla-Martinez, who was in the country illegally, federal authorities said. Video showed the government SUV with emergency lights activated being towed down the street in front of the parking exit. The SUV had keys and a firearm inside, which was locked in a safe.
The federal government vehicle was towed during the arrest of Colombian TikToker Tatiana Mafla-Martinez outside a downtown Los Angeles apartment. Camilla Rambaldi reports for the NBC4 News at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Sep. 2, 2025.
The video also showed an agent running after the tow truck and SUV. In the criminal complaint filed Aug. 22, the officer said Nunez was laughing as he used his cellphone to record what was happening. The tow truck headed east on Temple Street before the agent stopped the chase.
“Apparently, he thought it would be funny to interfere with our immigration enforcement operations. Now he can laugh behind bars while he faces justice. Nunez is looking at up to 10 years in federal prison if convicted,” acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said in a post on X back in September.
“A jury found Mr. Nuñez not guilty. He was free on bond prior to the trial. We have no further comment. Thank you,” wrote Essayli’s office on Friday in response to the jury’s decision.
Allison Craig is a passionate sports writer and analyst with a deep love for game strategies, player performances, and the latest trends in the sports world. With years of experience covering football, basketball, tennis, and more, she delivers insightful analysis and engaging content for sports enthusiasts.
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