A Legacy of violence, Corruption & Abuse.
As Riverside County Sheriff, Chad Bianco has overseen one of the deadliest jail systems in California, fought against oversight, racked up millions in lawsuit settlements, and emboldened a culture of corruption and excessive force. Now, he’s running for governor, hoping to take his brand of extremism, abuse of power, and disdain for accountability statewide.
Under Bianco’s leadership, inmate deaths surged, civil rights violations became routine, and misconduct within his department was ignored or excused. Even as the California Attorney General launched an investigation into his agency, he mocked calls for reform and dismissed public concern as a “political attack.” Instead of fixing a broken system, he doubled down on abuse.
California Deserves Better
As Riverside County Sheriff, Chad Bianco has overseen one of the deadliest jail systems in California, fought against oversight, racked up millions in lawsuit settlements, and emboldened a culture of corruption and excessive force. Now, he’s running for governor, hoping to take his brand of extremism, abuse of power, and disdain for accountability statewide.
Under Bianco’s leadership, inmate deaths surged, civil rights violations became routine, and misconduct within his department was ignored or excused. Even as the California Attorney General launched an investigation into his agency, he mocked calls for reform and dismissed public concern as a “political attack.” Instead of fixing a broken system, he doubled down on abuse.
Stopping Bianco Starts Here
As Democrats in Riverside County, we’ve seen the cost of his leadership up close: millions in taxpayer-funded lawsuit settlements, and far too many lives lost behind bars. The abuse, the corruption, the extremism—none of it is hypothetical. It’s already happening here. This is our county, our neighbors and our responsibility.
Sign the Petition & Join the Voices Demanding Accountability!
Join the call for immediate action to ensure transparency, accountability, and justice within the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. The ongoing issues surrounding sheriff-involved shootings, in-custody deaths, and the significant financial liability resulting from the lack of oversight have eroded public trust and demand urgent reforms.
Bianco In The News
In-custody deaths, a $100 million lawsuit, drug and sex abuse rings — Sheriff Bianco’s unfitness for duty exposed.
April 2025
- In California Jails, a Rash of Homicide and Negligence – New York Times
Summary: Riverside County jails have experienced a significant increase in inmate deaths, prompting a state investigation into potential systemic issues within the county’s correctional facilities.
February 2025
- Riverside County’s broken system: Why we need sheriff accountability now – Press Enterprise Commentary
Summary: This article highlights the critical need for independent oversight to ensure accountability and restore public trust in the county’s law enforcement.
February 19, 2025
- El ‘Sheriff’ Trumpista Chad Bianco Entra a la Carrera por el Gobierno de California – El País
Summary: Sheriff Bianco’s gubernatorial bid highlights his alignment with Trump-era policies and the controversies surrounding his leadership in Riverside County, particularly allegations of corruption and a violent jail system.
February 18, 2025
- Keeping it Real: Chad Bianco is as Wrong for California as Donald Trump is Wrong for America – Black Voice News
Summary: Discusses Bianco’s gubernatorial ambitions amidst controversies, including corruption allegations and a violent jail system.
February 17, 2025
- MAGA Sheriff Running for CA Governor Vows to End ‘Sanctuary’ Laws – Politico
Summary: Bianco announces his gubernatorial candidacy, pledging to abolish sanctuary laws and criticizing state leadership.
February 5, 2025
- Ex-Riverside County deputy gets probation for smuggling 100 pounds of fentanyl – Desert Sun
Summary: A former Riverside County sheriff’s deputy has pleaded guilty to transporting over 100 pounds of fentanyl and been sentenced to probation.
December 23, 2024
- Jail deaths: Inmate suicide followed missed security check by deputies – The Desert Sun
Summary: A 21-year-old inmate committed suicide in a Riverside County jail after deputies missed a scheduled security check.
December 18, 2024
- Accident or homicide? Medical rulings in arrest-related deaths can dictate what happens to police – Associated Press
Summary: Examines how medical examiners’ classifications of deaths influence legal outcomes for law enforcement officers.
October 16, 2024
- Vem Miller files lawsuit saying Riverside sheriff falsely accused him of assassination plot – Fox 11 Los Angeles
Summary: Miller sues Riverside County after Sheriff Chad Bianco accused him of attempting to assassinate Trump. - Las Vegas man arrested outside Trump rally sues California sheriff – Politico
Summary: Miller’s lawsuit accuses Bianco of defamation, emotional distress, and invasion of privacy.
August 19, 2024
- In-Custody Death – Riverside County Sheriff’s Department
Summary: The department reports the death of Joshua Frank Swart in custody, with no signs of foul play.
August 15, 2024
- After Spike in Jail Deaths, Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Under California Department of Justice Investigation – Prison Legal News
Summary: The California DOJ launches an investigation following a rise in jail deaths.
June 15, 2024
- More families filing lawsuits against Riverside County over jail deaths – ABC7 News
Summary: Lawsuits against the county increase, citing concerns over jail conditions.
April 30, 2024
- A Culture of Lawlessness in Riverside County Sheriff’s Department – Black Voice News
Summary: Reports on a $16 million drug seizure and the arrest of a sheriff’s deputy, raising concerns about corruption.
April 22, 2024
- In-Custody Death – Riverside County Sheriff’s Department
Summary: The department announces the in-custody death of Mack Luther Price.
April 11, 2024
- Riverside County jail deaths prompt calls to separate coroner’s office from sheriff’s department – KVCR News
Summary: Advocates push to separate the coroner’s office from the sheriff’s department.
March 28, 2024
- More allegations against ex-Riverside County sheriff’s deputy – The Desert Sun
Summary: Lawsuits claim the Sheriff’s Department failed to stop misconduct by deputy Christian Heidecker.
January 16, 2024
- With the rise of civil lawsuits against Riverside County, Sheriff Bianco’s response elicits concern – The Highlander
Summary: Civil lawsuits against the Sheriff’s Department raise concerns over accountability.
October 3, 2023
- Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Faces #MeToo Scandal – The IE Voice
Summary: Allegations surface against a sheriff’s deputy accused of extorting female inmates.
September 2023
- Keeping it Real: Still No Oversight of Riverside Sheriff’s Department Even as Corrections Officers Are Arrested and More Inmates Die – The IE Voice
Summary: This article highlights the lack of oversight in the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department amidst increasing in-custody deaths and arrests of corrections officers for misconduct. Despite a record number of in-custody deaths in 2022, Sheriff Bianco and the county’s Board of Supervisors have been hesitant to implement changes or establish oversight mechanisms. - Riverside County correctional deputy charged in sextortion case – ABC7 News
Summary: Correctional deputy Christian Heidecker was charged with multiple felonies, including bribery and extortion, for allegedly coercing female inmates into sexual acts under threat of punitive actions.
June 2023
- Riverside County Sheriff’s Department settles wrongful death lawsuit for $7.5 million – Daily Journal
Summary: The county settles a lawsuit after a detainee died of cardiac arrest due to excessive force.
March 4, 2023
- New probe of Riverside County sheriff might take years, history shows – The Desert Sun
Summary: The California Attorney General initiated a civil rights investigation into the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, focusing on potential misconduct and unconstitutional practices, including issues related to concealed-carry weapons permits.
February 2023
- Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco accuses state AG of politically motivated investigation – Los Angeles Times
Summary: Sheriff Bianco accused the California Attorney General of launching a politically motivated investigation into his department, denying claims of systemic misconduct and corruption. - California AG launches investigation into Riverside County sheriff – The Desert Sun
Summary: The California Attorney General investigates the sheriff’s department over misconduct allegations.
October 6, 2021
- Riverside sheriff defends his past membership in the extremist Oath Keepers militia – KPBS
Summary: Bianco admitted being an Oath Keeper while also insisting that the aims of the Oath Keepers — which has emerged as one of the largest groups in the far-right patriot militia movement — have been misunderstood.
