Criminal charges were filed Wednesday, Jan. 21, against San Bernardino City Councilwoman Dr. Treasure Ortiz in a case tied to allegations that she illegally recorded San Bernardino police personnel. Ortiz is scheduled to be arraigned Feb. 19.
The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office filed the case — identified by the city as District Attorney Case No. 2026-00-0000627 — alleging a violation of Penal Code section 632(a). The city alleges Ortiz “intentionally and without the consent of all parties to a confidential communication, used an electronic amplifying and recording device, to eavesdrop and record communications with San Bernardino Police Department personnel.”
The city’s statement was released at the start of Wednesday’s City Council meeting at Feldheym Central Library, shortly after 5 p.m. Mayor Pro Tem Kim Knaus, stepping in for Mayor Helen Tran, asked City Attorney Albert Maldonado whether there were closed-session items to report. Maldonado announced “Treasure Ortiz v. City of San Bernardino,” and said the council, by a 5-0 vote, directed the city to issue a press release…