Who is Joaquin Arambula? Dem lawmaker faces new scrutiny after shocking allegations amid ugly divorce

Joaquin Arambula's wife initiated divorce proceedings, alleging his struggles with alcohol, drugs, and gambling.

Joaquin Arambula, a Democratic assemblyman who has served Fresno County since 2016, has been hit with allegations of involvement with drugs, alcohol, and a gambling addiction following the public release of his wife's shocking divorce documents.

Joaquin Arambula's wife has filed for divorce, citing his struggles with addiction and gambling. (AP)

Arambula, currently campaigning for a position on the Fresno City Council, is engaged in a legal dispute with Elizabeth Arambula, who initiated divorce proceedings in January and submitted a request for child custody.

“For years, I have covered for Respondent’s struggles with alcohol, marijuana, and gaming, concealing them from our children, family, friends, and his professional circle,” Elizabeth stated in court documents, where she is requesting spousal support for the couple’s three children, who are currently 11, 14, and 15 years old.

Elizabeth Arambula's bombshell allegations against Joaquin Arambula

In her petition, Elizabeth claims that she previously drove her husband to work due to his sobriety challenges, while government drivers would transport him back home.

“On a typical day, he spent much of his time using his THC pen, drinking whiskey, playing games on his iPad, taking a few meetings scattered throughout,” she mentioned.

Meanwhile, political analyst Thomas Holyoke told ABC30 that these allegations bring to light worries regarding Arambula's capacity to effectively serve his constituents. "It sounds like he was actually going to important meetings as part of job perhaps high which means he would not be able to function at his best," Holyoke stated.

The petition states that Assembly member Arambula voluntarily admitted himself to a rehabilitation facility on January 6, and it features a photograph of a check of $30,000 made out to Reflections Rehabilitation.

On Friday, the state legislator provided the following statement to Action News:

I voluntarily entered into and successfully completed a 30-day rehab because I recognized I had a problem and I chose to improve my life and be a better father for our children. While in rehab, my wife moved out of our home and filed for divorce to end our 15 years of marriage. Because she has refused to let me see our children unless financial and other demands are met, I am fighting in court for my rights as a father. I have trust in our court system to reach a fair and impartial resolution based on the facts and not on unreasonable demands, unwarranted fears, and false accusations. I am prepared to demonstrate my continued sobriety to the court and my willingness to support my family. My hope is that we both can move forward, co-parenting our children, prioritizing our children's needs, and communicating respectfully. This is a very trying time for my family and me, and I ask for the public's understanding.

Here's what Arambula said against his wife

Arambula stated that his wife left their residence and initiated divorce proceedings during his rehabilitation.

He further asserted that Elizabeth has denied him access to their children unless specific financial and other conditions are fulfilled. “I am fighting in court for my rights as a father,” he stated, as per NY POST.

This is not the first occasion on which Arambula has encountered scrutiny. He was taken into custody on misdemeanor child abuse allegations in late 2018. However, several months later, a jury acquitted him.