A California resident has taken legal action against a county and its deputies, alleging misconduct that led to false arrest and violation of civil rights. Leigh Debia filed a complaint on June 25, 2025, in the Superior Court of California, County of Ventura, against the County of Ventura and Deputies H. Ramos and J. Evans. The case revolves around an incident that occurred on September 23, 2024, which Debia claims involved negligence, false arrest/imprisonment, and violations under the Bane Act.
According to the court documents, Leigh Debia was walking towards his RV near Dawson Drive in Ventura County when he was approached by Deputy Ramos who insisted on conducting field sobriety tests without providing a specific reason for the detention. Despite complying with all instructions and passing a urine test that came back negative for any substances, Debia was initially arrested and then “un-arrested” after being issued a detention certificate. However, he was re-handcuffed shortly after and transported back to his vehicle where he sustained injuries from tripping while exiting the patrol car.
Debia’s lawsuit accuses the deputies of acting beyond their authority by detaining him without cause and violating his civil rights through unlawful search and seizure. The complaint highlights that their actions were not only negligent but also breached both departmental policies and California’s Police Officer Standards and Training guidelines. Furthermore, it is alleged that these actions resulted in significant emotional distress and physical harm to Debia.
The plaintiff seeks compensatory damages for past and future economic losses as well as non-economic damages due to the violation of state and federal civil rights. Additionally, punitive damages are sought against the individual deputies for their willful misconduct along with attorney fees under California Civil Code Section 52.1 et seq., which pertains to civil rights violations.
Representing Leigh Debia is attorney Gregory L. Kirakosian from Kirakosian Law APC with Raffi S. Batanlan also listed as counsel for the plaintiff. The case has been assigned Case No.: 20275 CUCRO49459 at the Superior Court of California in Ventura County.
Source: 2025CUCR049458_Leigh_Debia_v_County_of_Ventura_Complaint_County_of_Ventura.pdf
Source: 2025CUCR049458_Leigh_Debia_v_County_of_Ventura_Complaint_County_of_Ventura.pdf
Source: 2025CUCR049458_Leigh_Debia_v_County_of_Ventura_Complaint_County_of_Ventura.pdf
