Fontana Reaches $898,000 Settlement in Coerced Confession Case

Nearly six years after being pressured by Fontana police into confessing to a murder that never occurred, Thomas Perez Jr. received an $898,000 settlement from the city of Fontana. The case, which drew national attention, began as a missing persons investigation but quickly spiraled into allegations of coercive police tactics.

The incident began on August 8, 2018, when Perez called the Fontana Police Department to report his father missing after 17 hours. His father had gone out to retrieve the mail with the family dog the previous evening but had not returned. Despite the initial concern, the investigation took a drastic turn, culminating in Perez confessing to killing his father—only to discover later that his father was alive and unharmed.

A Turning Point in the Investigation

Reports from media outlets such as CNN, The Los Angeles Times, and The Washington Post highlighted the coercive interrogation tactics used by the police. According to these sources, officers accused Perez of murder and suggested he had repressed memories of the crime. During the emotionally charged interrogation, Perez reportedly attempted to take his own life while still in the interrogation room.

On November 7, 2018, the Fontana Police Department issued a statement defending their handling of the case. In the statement, signed by Police Chief Mike Dorsey, the department described the investigation as a response to evidence that pointed to potential foul play.

“This was a missing person’s case where officers and detectives followed unfolding evidence that pointed toward possible foul play,” Dorsey stated. “In the settlement agreement, the judge noted that a reasonable juror would agree that officers had sufficient evidence to suspect a crime had been committed.”

Dorsey explained that the investigation began with Perez’s account of his father’s disappearance. Suspicious circumstances at the scene raised concerns. The father’s wallet, cell phone, and keys were left behind, and his bedroom was reportedly in disarray. Additionally, Perez had removed his father’s mattress and some clothing and had cleaned parts of the house with bleach. These details led officers to invite Perez to the station for questioning.

Coercive Interrogation Tactics

During the interrogation, officers accused Perez of murder. When he denied the allegations, they attempted to convince him he had forgotten committing the crime. In one particularly controversial tactic, officers involved Perez’s dog, suggesting the animal was traumatized from witnessing the murder. Some reports even allege the officers implied the dog might be euthanized.

While the Fontana Police Department did not confirm these claims, a photo from police video shows Perez cradling his dog on the floor of the interrogation room, adding to public scrutiny of the department’s methods.

“In situations like these, it is acceptable and perfectly legal to use different tactics and techniques, such as ruses, to elicit information from people suspected of potential criminal activity,” the department stated. “Were we perfect in how we handled the situation? Nobody ever is.”

Mounting Evidence and Missteps

Adding to the complexity of the case, a neighbor described Perez as “mentally unstable” and claimed he had little patience with his father. The neighbor also reported seeing someone driving the father’s truck erratically on the day he disappeared. The vehicle was later parked in the garage, rather than its usual spot on the street.

These observations, combined with evidence of blood found throughout the home during a search, fueled the investigation. However, the eventual discovery of Perez’s father alive and well invalidated the department’s conclusions.

Chief Dorsey concluded his statement by reflecting on the case, saying, “Sadly, situations like these can and often do end up as homicide investigations. We are so thankful this was not one of those.”

Lingering Effects and a Settlement

The $898,000 settlement, reached in spring 2024, brought some resolution to the ordeal. However, both Perez and his father told CNN they continued to feel the psychological and emotional effects of the incident. Despite their struggles, they have worked together to overcome the trauma and rebuild their lives.

The case highlights the significant consequences of police misconduct and the importance of proper investigative procedures. For individuals involved in complex legal disputes, such as truck accidents or other incidents in Fontana, consulting an experienced Fontana truck accident attorney can be crucial in navigating the legal system and achieving a fair outcome.