FOLSOM, Calif. (Diya TV) — Ian Choudri, the chief executive officer of the California High-Speed Rail Authority, was arrested earlier this month in Folsom on suspicion of domestic battery, according to local police. Prosecutors later declined to file charges, and Choudri’s attorney said the case is closed. The arrest has drawn attention because Choudri leads California’s largest infrastructure project. State officials said they are reviewing the matter but declined further comment.
Folsom police arrested Choudri, 57, on Feb. 4 on the 500 block of Borges Court. Police said the alleged offense was a misdemeanor domestic battery. A spokesperson for the Folsom Police Department confirmed the arrest but did not release further details. The department said it could not share more information about the incident at this time. Local television station KCRA 3 first reported the arrest on Monday.
After the report aired, Choudri’s attorney, Allen Sawyer, said the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office declined to file charges. In a statement to KCRA 3, Sawyer said prosecutors reviewed the incident report from the Folsom Police Department and chose not to move forward with a case. He said Choudri was never asked to appear in court.
“This matter is over,” Sawyer told the station.
In a follow-up email, Sawyer expressed confidence that authorities would not release the incident report because the case would not proceed. He described the situation as insignificant.
A source close to the matter, who was not authorized to speak publicly, said Choudri denied any wrongdoing. The source said the situation involved a family dispute and that Choudri became involved during the altercation. The Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office has not publicly commented on the case.
Choudri serves as CEO of the California High-Speed Rail Authority. The agency oversees the state’s high-speed rail project, one of the largest public works efforts in the United States. The California high-speed rail project aims to connect major cities, including San Francisco and Los Angeles, with a fast rail system. State leaders have promoted the project as a way to reduce traffic congestion and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
The authority’s board of directors appointed Choudri to the position in August 2024. According to his online biography, he has worked on large construction and infrastructure projects in more than 18 countries. The California High-Speed Rail Authority said it is reviewing the situation. The agency did not provide additional comment.
The incident occurred one day after Choudri appeared with California Gov. Gavin Newsom to mark the completion of the Southern Railhead facility in Kern County. The facility supports construction efforts for the high-speed rail system.
Newsom’s office said it had no further comment on the arrest as of Monday night. Administration officials said they are aware of the situation and are monitoring developments. The governor has strongly supported the California high-speed rail project. The project has faced delays, funding challenges, and political scrutiny in recent years.
The arrest of a top official tied to a major state infrastructure project has raised questions about leadership and oversight. However, because prosecutors declined to file charges, no court proceedings are expected at this time.
Under California law, an arrest does not equal a conviction. Prosecutors review evidence before deciding whether to file charges. In this case, the district attorney’s office chose not to proceed. Choudri continues to lead the California High-Speed Rail Authority. State officials have not announced any personnel changes.
The California high-speed rail project remains under construction, with work concentrated in the Central Valley. Officials continue to promote the project as a long-term investment in the state’s transportation network. For now, the legal matter involving Choudri appears to have concluded. Authorities have not announced any further action, and his attorney maintains that the case is closed.
