A Democratic politician from California is under intensified examination following his wife’s divorce filing, which exposes his alleged struggles with substance abuse and gaming addiction.
Joaquin Arambula, an assemblyman vying for a spot on the Fresno City Council, parted ways with his wife Elizabeth on December 30. She proceeded with divorce proceedings the following month, as reported by the Fresno Bee.
In a comprehensive bid for custody of their children, Elizabeth unveiled her husband’s personal challenges.
Elizabeth disclosed, “For many years, I shielded Respondent’s issues with alcohol, marijuana, and gaming from our children, family, friends, and his professional associates,” referencing details shared by ABC 30.
She further alleged that she often had to drive him to work due to his intoxication, and at times, a government vehicle would return him home.
Elizabeth described his daily routine as being dominated by his use of a THC pen, whiskey consumption, gaming on an iPad, and sporadic meetings, noting that “his dependency issues have escalated over time.”
Elizabeth also included a photo of a check for $30,000 to Reflections Rehabilitation, which Joaquin has since admitted he checked himself into voluntarily.
He said in a signed declaration on February 13 that he entered the 30-day program on January 7 to provide him with skills to cope with stress, and he successfully completed the program on February 6.
He then filed on March 2 to run for city council, Your Central Valley reports.
Joaquin Arambula, a California assemblyman who is now running to serve on the Fresno City Council, was accused by his estranged wife of having substance abuse issues and a gaming addiction
Elizabeth Arambula filed for divorce from her husband in January, and is seeking custody of their three children
‘I just felt I needed some help to adjust and to make sure that I did not become dependent on alcohol or marijuana,’ Joaquin said in the declaration, noting that he has no criminal or psychiatric history and chose to enter the rehab on his own, without any intervention.
Speaking to the Fresno Bee, the assemblyman described his decision to pursue treatment as a way to learn healthy coping skills and said the in-patient program was ‘extremely beneficial.’
It was while he was there that his wife moved out of their home and filed for divorce, ending their 15 year marriage, he said.
The assemblyman also claimed that Elizabeth has refused to allow him to see their children – ages 11, 14, and 15 – unless certain financial demands are met.
Court records show she asked a judge to also intercede over the couple’s financial standings, saying Joaquin controlled all of their savings, checking and credit cards.
‘I voluntarily entered into and successfully completed a 30-day rehab program because I recognized I had a problem and chose to improve my life and be a better father to our children,’ he said in a statement to ABC 30.
Joaquin then went onto say he is now ‘fighting in court for my rights as a father.’
‘I have trust in our court system to reach a fair and impartial resolution based on the facts and not on unreasonable demands, unwarranted fears and false accusations,’ he said.
‘I am prepared to demonstrate my continued sobriety to the court and my willingness to support my family.’
An attorney for Elizabeth said she filed for divorce ‘after multiple attempts to reach an agreement with Dr Arambula’
‘My hope is that we both can move forward, co-parenting our children, prioritizing our children’s needs and communicating respectfully.’
He also said in court documents that he has volunteered to undergo drug testing, use an alcohol monitoring device called Soberlink and attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings to assure the court he can provide a safe environment for his children.
Elizabeth, meanwhile, described herself in her filing as a stay-at-home mom for the past 15 years.
Her attorney, Zeppy Attashian told the Fresno Bee that her client is ‘deeply disappointed a private family matter required court involvement.
‘After multiple attempts to reach an agreement with Dr Arambula, she was left with no choice but to seek the court’s assistance,’ Attashian said.
‘At this time, her focus remains on her children and protecting their well-being. She respectfully asks that her family’s privacy be honored during what is a very difficult time for them.’
Joaquin was previously arrested on a misdemeanor child abuse charge in 2018, but was acquitted following a nine-day trial
The family previously faced scrutiny in 2018, when Joaquin was arrested on a misdemeanor child abuse charge after police were called out to his then seven-year-old daughter’s elementary school.
He was accused of squeezing and striking the girl on the face while disciplining her, and leaving a bruise on her temple from his wedding ring.
Joaquin then admitted he spanked the girl, but did not hit her face or know how she got the bruise. He was acquitted of the charges following a nine-day trial.
Amid the new allegations against him, Joaquin insisted to the Bee that he is ‘fully engaged in the work of representing the 31st Assembly District,’ meeting with constituents, attending legislative hearings and advocating for bills he has authored.
‘I have never wavered in my dedication and my commitment to serve the people of the 31st Assembly District,’ he said in a statement. ‘It has been the honor of my lifetime to be their representative.’
As he now runs for city council, Joaquin added that he is ‘more committed than ever to this community, and trust the voters of this district.’
The Daily Mail has reached out to Joaquin’s office and Elizabeth’s attorney for comment.
