Ian Choudri, executive director of the California High-Speed Rail Authority, was arrested on suspicion of domestic assault earlier this month at his Folsom home, authorities said.
The 57-year-old man was arrested Feb. 4 on suspicion of assault against his spouse, Sgt. It was confirmed by John Triplett of the Folsom police. The arrest occurred in the 500 block of Corte Borges, where records indicate he owns a home.
“The High Speed Rail Authority is aware of the matter and is reviewing it,” an agency spokesperson said in a statement Monday. “We have no further comment at this time.”
Choudri was approved as executive director of the state agency in August 2024 and was praised by Gov. Gavin Newsom for having more than 30 years of experience in the transportation sector.
Choudri replaced former CEO Brian Kelly, who retired. Choudri joined the agency from HNTB Corp., an infrastructure design firm where he previously served as senior vice president.
Choudri did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Choudri's lawyer told the Times that a third party called police to Choudri's home and that prosecutors did not file charges in the case.
Choudri was scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 6, but was notified by the Sacramento district attorney's office that they had declined to file charges, said Allen Sawyer, Choudri's attorney.
“This matter has ended and no further action will be taken,” Sawyer said.
Officials with the Sacramento district attorney's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The day before his arrest, Choudri had appeared with Newsom in Kern County to announce the completion of a 150-acre facility that would serve as a hub for construction of the high-speed rail project in the San Joaquin Valley.
“Installing the railhead is a critical step in the track installation process and keeps us on track to deliver this system smarter, faster and more economically,” Choudri announced at the press event, according to a statement issued by Newsom's office.
Newsom's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Choudri is among the highest-paid state employees in California, having earned $563,000 last year, according to payroll records obtained by The Times from the state comptroller's office.
Times staff writer Melody Gutierrez contributed to this story.
