Avondale Council Member Faces Lawsuit for Kidnapping Teen, Approaching Father

A complicated legal situation has emerged in Avondale, Arizona, involving Councilmember Jeannette Garcia. She faces allegations of kidnapping a 14-year-old girl after the child’s father reportedly rejected her sexual advances. The father and daughter have opted to file the lawsuit anonymously as Father John Doe and Minor Jane Doe.

Details of the Lawsuit

The lawsuit was filed on November 14, 2023, and claims the incident occurred last year while Garcia served on the city council and was employed by Turning Point USA (TPUSA). The father, who previously worked with Garcia at TPUSA, stated that he and colleagues had gathered for a celebratory dinner following the elections.

Allegations Against Councilmember Garcia

• Garcia allegedly made sexual propositions to Father John Doe during the dinner.
• It is claimed she suggested employment opportunities with TPUSA if he complied.
• The lawsuit notes Garcia became increasingly aggressive after consuming alcohol, prompting Father John Doe to leave the gathering.
• Upon returning home, he discovered that his daughter was missing.

According to the lawsuit, deputies from the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) arrived at Father John Doe’s home, informing him that his daughter was safe with Garcia. The father alleges that Garcia took his daughter without permission and manipulated her into believing her father could become violent after drinking that night.

Response from Jeannette Garcia

Garcia has publicly denied the accusations, describing them as outrageous and false. In a statement, she emphasized that she has never harmed anyone or engaged in inappropriate solicitation. She claims the incident involved her trying to assist the young girl, asserting that any interpretations of her actions as malicious are misleading.

Garcia stated, “I am preparing to pursue legal action against those responsible for spreading these lies and for the damage they are attempting to cause to my reputation.” She expressed determination not to allow false allegations to tarnish her name or work.

Background and Previous Controversy

This legal battle is not Garcia’s first brush with controversy. In February, she attracted negative attention for a post on social media, where she made a provocative comment about actor Tom Hanks. She later clarified that her statement was misinterpreted, insisting it was in reference to the Spanish word for “fart.”

The situation is evolving, and further comments from the plaintiffs’ attorney, TPUSA, or other parties involved have not yet been received. The outcome of this lawsuit remains to be seen as it progresses through the legal system.