Rick Toledo restraining order dropped, felony charges still under investigation 

by Salvador Sandoval-Garduno

Update: New information about the date and time of Rick Toledo’s additional disciplinary hearing was added to the story since it was originally printed.

Cal Poly Humboldt graduate student Richard “Rick” Toledo, a student activist, was arrested for alleged charges that occurred during the Feb. 27 sit-in of the Goodwin Forum in Nelson Hall East. The charges included suspicion of felony assault, battery, false imprisonment and conspiracy. He was held in Humboldt County Jail from March 6-8 under a Ramey Warrant before being released on bail. 

“I came down, and I opened the door. They [University Police] showed me the warrant. They grabbed me, and they arrested me and they tore my shirt and my jeans in the process,” Toledo said. “They [University Police] were pretty rough at first, but then, once they realized that I was not a threat, they calmed down a lot.”

According to Toledo, the University Police Department also confiscated his devices, including his phone, personal computer and Ring camera.

In addition to his criminal case, Toledo is also facing suspension by Cal Poly Humboldt and a separate restraining order was filed by Cal Poly Humboldt, which is being represented by Samuel Kim, the Deputy Attorney General. The restraining order case has been dismissed and El Leñador confirmed the dismissal after Toledo provided the request for dismissal signed by both parties. 

The university said the Feb. 27 protest began as a permitted demonstration but escalated when protesters occupied the Goodwin Forum.

“They [protesters] took over a space not intended for that purpose and not considered a public space, and they restricted access to the space, calling into question the safety of those inside and others in the building,” Iridian Casarez from Marketing and Communications said. “It went from a free speech activity to trespassing. It’s important to note that activities on Feb. 27–28 included potential criminal and civil violations.”

The Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office is currently handling the case. El Leñador has reached out to the Humboldt District Attorney’s Office for comment but has not heard back as of the time of publication. Toledo’s next court hearing is scheduled for April 20 at 1:30 p.m. at the Superior Court of Humboldt County Courthouse.

On March 26, Toledo attended an interim suspension appeal hearing. An additional university disciplinary hearing was held on April 8 at 1 p.m.

El Leñador submitted a public records request for CCTV footage of Toledo’s alleged assault on the day of the protest, but was informed by the university that there are no records containing the requested information.

El Leñador requested the university to schedule an interview with the affected party of the alleged assault. The university said they were unable to facilitate an interview with them as of the time of publication. 

Toledo said that he was initially told he would be held without bail until March 9 or 10, but was released on March 8 after what Toledo described as significant public pressure.

“People had been calling nonstop for three days to the point where their [Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office] phone lines were going down,” Toledo said. “They were getting really frustrated, and at that point, I think that that is a big reason why they ended up suddenly, out of nowhere, posting bail on Sunday.”

The university declined to comment on the specific allegation due to the ongoing investigation by the District Attorney’s Office, but emphasized that safety remains a priority. 

“As the matter is currently under review by the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office, we are not able to comment on specific details at this time,” Casarez said. “However, the university takes all reports of workplace violence seriously and has an obligation to ensure a safe environment for its employees.”

Looking ahead, Toledo said he intends to continue fighting the charges while remaining vocal about his experience. 

“I’m not going to be silent about it either. I’m going to be sure to let people know all over the country what Cal Poly Humboldt has done,” Toledo said. “What they’re trying to do to me, and expose them for the injustices that they’ve caused. I will take any legal recourse in my power.”