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Jury Aquitts Caballero -- Federal Tribal Records beat false narrative

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. — December 2025
On December 10, 2025, an El Dorado County jury acquitted Cesar Ruben Caballero of all felony and misdemeanor charges following a trial that focused extensively on federal tribal records and historical census documentation tied to the historic Shingle Springs Rancheria.
 
The prosecution alleged that Caballero falsely represented his tribal identity and status, including claims that he misrepresented himself as connected to the Miwok Nation of the Shingle Springs Rancheria governed under the 1935 Indian Reorganization Act (IRA).
 
The jury rejected those claims.
 
Arrest and Charges
Caballero was arrested February 12, 2025, by the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office. Allegations included impersonation of a tribal peace officer and filing of a false or forged instrument. Bail initially exceeded $250,000 and he was placed on an ankle monitor.
Public reporting emphasized the charges at arrest. The ultimate trial outcome differed substantially.

 
Trial Focus: Federal Documentation
The defense introduced federal Indian Reorganization Act documentation, the 1905–1906 California Indian Kelsey Census, and Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) lineage materials associated with Caballero.
The 1905 Kelsey Census and IRA-era documentation were presented to establish lineage continuity connected to the historic Shingle Springs Rancheria electorate that voted under the 1935 IRA.
Witness testimony addressed:
 
  • The legal effect of the IRA as a controlling federal record
  • Historical census documentation of tribal members resident to the Rancheria
  • BIA lineage documentation
Assertions regarding Caballero’s status were presented by Murray, identified at trial as membership chair for the Sacramento-Verona Band of Homeless Indians, self-identified as the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians. Those assertions were examined through cross-examination and compared against federal documentary evidence.
 
Murray, testified only that Caballero was not listed within their Sacramento-Verona Band of Homeless Indians membership. He offered no documentation explaining how the group’s members originally came onto the Rancheria or establishing historical lineage continuity.
 
The defense introduced federal IRA records of the 1935 Shingle Springs Rancheria, the 1905–1906 California Indian Kelsey Census, and BIA lineage documentation connecting Caballero to the historic Shingle Springs Rancheria electorate.
Jurors were provided access to inspect the admitted federal records during deliberations.
The jury reviewed the federal record and returned not guilty verdicts on all substantive counts.

 
Verdict
After reviewing the federal documentation alongside witness testimony, the jury found that the prosecution had not met its burden of proof.
 
Verdicts:
  • Not guilty on all felony counts
  • Not guilty on all misdemeanor counts
  • The only remaining count—driving without a valid license—was reduced by the court to a non-criminal traffic infraction carrying a $100 fine.
  • No custodial sentence was imposed.
  • A minute order dated December 11, 2025 reflects:
  • Termination of supervision
  • No further appearances required
  • No additional judgment imposed

Caballero was not in custody at sentencing.

 
Counsel
Prosecution: Deputy District Attorney Brittany J. Griffith
Defense: Richard Terry, El Dorado County Public Defender’s Office
No appeal has been filed.

 
Public Record
While the arrest and charges received public attention, the acquittals and the federal documentation examined at trial received limited follow-up coverage.
 
The federal tribal records—including the 1905–1906 Kelsey Census and IRA documentation—were entered into evidence, reviewed by the jury, and formed part of the record considered in reaching the verdict.
 
Case concluded.