California’s High Speed Rail Authority chief has revealed he will take a leave of absence after being arrested over a domestic violence dispute with his fiancée.
Ian Choudri was picked up by cops at his home in Folsom, near Sacramento, on February 4, when he allegedly tried to intervene in a fight between Lyudmyla “Mila” Starostyuk and his teenage daughter.
A neighbor called cops just before midnight after seeing Choudri, Starostyuk and the girl 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.
California High-Speed Rail Authority Peter Whippy said in a statement on Tuesday night: “While CEO Choudri has informed the California High-Speed Rail Authority Board that he is not aware of any evidence of wrongdoing, he has voluntarily agreed to take a temporary leave to allow the Board and our parent agency, the California State Transportation Agency, to fully review and assess the situation.
“We are taking this matter seriously, consistent with our longstanding commitment to public responsibility, transparency, and accountability.
“The California High-Speed Rail Authority’s work continues without interruption, and our priorities remain unchanged.”
KCRA reported it had seen a memo sent to staff saying Chief of Staff Mark Tollefson will take over in the interim.
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The Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office declined to prosecute either case against Choudri or his wife, citing a lack of evidence. Officers did not see or note injuries to them either, 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.
