California sheriff criticized for repeated speeding violations

Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto is coming under fire after she was pulled over by CHP officers on multiple occasions for speeding and reckless driving. In each case, she was able to continue driving despite receiving a warning, traveling at over 90 miles per hour and weaving through traffic. Each incident was recorded by dashboard cameras.

The incidents occurred while Nieto was traveling on Highway 101 in southern Monterey County.

A video released by the CHP to Action News 8 shows Nieto being stopped twice last year and this year.

Incident of September 2023

On September 23rd of last year, the sheriff was stopped for speeding and reckless driving.

“Officer: I pulled you over because you were first going 95 miles per hour when you passed me and then you were still going about 90 miles per hour in traffic, OK,” the CHP officer is heard saying.

Nieto admits that she did not respond to an emergency at the time.

Policeman: In a hurry? Nieto: Yes, I’m not feeling well. Policeman: Uh, I’m sorry,” the discussion continues.

Incident of March 2024

Six months later, on March 7 of this year, the sheriff is again stopped by the same officer for speeding, and again she is traveling faster than 90 miles per hour.

Officer: “I stopped you because you were going 95 miles per hour and then when you passed my partner you were still going 92 miles per hour,” the officer is heard saying.

This time, Nieto again fails to respond to an emergency and gets away with another warning.

Officer: So I’m not going to give you a ticket. This is the second time I’ve stopped you for speeding. I don’t know what you need to do to slow down, but next time, when you’re obviously speeding and you’re not having an emergency, it’s going to be a little different. OK, slow down please,” the officer tells Nieto.

Incident of May 2024

But then, just two months ago, on May 18, the sheriff was pulled over again for speeding, and this time things were different: The sheriff refused to show his identification unless a supervisor was called.

“Officer: You even want to identify yourself? Nieto: No. Officer: Before I call. Nieto: Please. Officer: Will you identify yourself? Nieto: I will identify myself to your superior, not to you. Officer: OK, sounds good.”

Twelve minutes later, a supervisor shows up, and after a brief discussion, the sheriff drives off with another warning. The sheriff’s recklessness drew the ire of ordinary drivers.

“I don’t think she would appreciate it if every person stopped by the sheriff’s department in Monterey County asked for a supervisor. What would that mean for staffing levels? That’s my question to her,” asked Prunedale resident Paul Brownfield.

“I mean, that’s crazy. The speed limit she’s setting doesn’t seem safe, and they should definitely do something about it, whether it’s tickets or fines or whatever,” said Suzanne Burns of Salinas.

And Debra Quarles of Salinas added: “My first thought is that it’s unfair because anyone else would have not only gotten a warning, but a ticket, had to appear in court, go to traffic school or whatever.”

KSBW 8 reached out to the sheriff for comment, but Deputy Sheriff Keith Boyd said the sheriff had “no further comment on the matter.”

A CHP spokesman said his office would not “comment on the matter involving Sheriff Nieto.”

The same CHP spokesman, Jordan Richards, said officers have the discretion to issue verbal or written warnings or citations.

Some, however, wondered whether this professional courtesy went too far.

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