California’s high-speed rail chief was arrested on domestic violence charges after intervening in a dispute between his daughter and fiancée, the California Post can confirm.
Rail Authority CEO Ian Choudri was detained along with his partner Lyudmyla “Mila” Starostyuk over the fallout outside the house in Folsom, near Sacramento, in the early hours of Feb. 4.
A neighbor called cops just before midnight after seeing Choudri, Starostyuk and his teenage daughter arguing in their front yard, according to people familiar with the incident.
The 57-year-old allegedly tried to step in as they fought but was later arrested on suspicion of domestic battery, the Post understands.
Starostyuk, 46, an advisory manager, was also arrested – on suspicion of domestic battery and suspicion of child abuse.
The Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office declined to prosecute either case, citing a lack of evidence. Officers did not see or note injuries to Choudri or Starostyuk, the DA said.
Choudri had just hours earlier left an event with Governor Gavin Newsom in Kern County, where the pair announced the completion of a 150-acre construction facility meant to help power the stalled buildout of the state’s high-speed rail project in San Joaquin Valley.
Allen Sawyer, a lawyer for both Choudri and Starostyuk, said that the two were involved in a “private family incident” when police were summoned, but insisted no crimes occurred.
“The district attorney immediately found no merit” in the case, said Sawyer. “This is a big nothing burger and it will go no further,” Sawyer added.
Reps for the state’s High-Speed Rail Authority didn’t respond to requests for comment.
Choudri has been driving Newsom’s widely criticized attempt to bring high-speed rail service to the Golden State.
With more than $15 billion spent and little progress made, the effort has faced repeated delays and funding issues.
Newsom has also been accused of keeping secrets about the expensive rail project. Choudri and Starostyuk could not be reached for comment.