Tow truck parked on Temple Street with skyline visible in its windshield and emergency lights flashing.

Los Angeles Tow Truck Driver Acquitted of Theft of Government Property

Hook paragraph\n\n## Case Background and Trial\n\nBobby Nuñez, 33, was arrested and charged with theft of government property related to a mid‑August arrest that was captured on video outside a downtown Los Angeles apartment complex. A four‑day trial ended Friday afternoon with Nuñez being acquitted of the single charge. He had been free on bond before the trial, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.\n\n## Incident Details\n\nFederal agents responded Aug. 15 to the residence to arrest 23‑year‑old Tatiana Mafla‑Martinez, who was in the country illegally. Video showed a 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, locked in a safe. The tow truck was headed east on Temple Street before an agent stopped the chase. In a criminal complaint filed Aug. 22, the officer said Nuñez was laughing as he used his cellphone to record what was happening.\n\n## Reactions\n\nNuñez’s attorney told NBC4, \”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.\”\n\nActing U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli posted on X in September: \”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.\”\n\nEssayli’s office added on Friday: \”A jury found Mr. Nuñez not guilty. He was free on bond prior to the trial. We have no further comment. Thank you.\”\n\n## Key Takeaways\n\n- Bobby Nuñez, 33, was acquitted of theft of government property after a four‑day trial.\n- The incident involved towing a federal SUV during an immigration enforcement operation on Aug. 15.\n- Prosecutors and the attorney’s office released statements confirming the verdict and noting the driver’s bond status.\n\nThe jury’s decision clears Nuñez of the single charge, ending a high‑profile case that began with a viral video of a federal SUV being towed during an arrest.

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