DATE: June 16, 2026
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Hollis Magill, Director of Human Resources
SUBJECT: Request to Defend Public Officer or Employee
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute "Agreement to Defend Public Officer or Employee, Reservation of Rights, and Non-Waiver" for the employee listed below:
Name of
Employee Current Position Title of Action
Elexus Reyes Sheriff Deputy II, Teresa De Jesus Torres
Sheriff Department v
Elexus Reyes, et al.
REPORT
Description:
The Plaintiff alleges she was rear-ended by an on-duty emergency vehicle being driven by Elexus Reyes which was the proximate cause of the Plaintiff's injuries and property damage. The employee was employed with Sheriff's Department at the times relevant to the allegations in the lawsuit.
Fresno County Claim No.: GHC0086908
Fresno County Superior Court: 26CECG01112
Plaintiff: Teresa De Jesus Torres
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
No alternative action is available because Article 4 (commencing with section 825), Chapter 1, Part 2, Division 3.6 of Title 1 of the Government Code requires the County to indemnify its public employees who timely request such defense.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended action. Funds to finance the cost of defense are contained in the Department's Org 8925, Risk Management Internal Services Fund. Defense costs are supported by annual budgetary contributions based on actuarial projections.
DISCUSSION:
The California Government Code requires the County to defend its officers and employees who are sued because of their actions while in the course and scope of employment, if they timely request such defense. The County may require officers and employees to agree that the County's rights under the law are protected.
In the above-mentioned action, the employee who has been named in the suit has...
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