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Fresno Deputy’s Union Chief Receives Anger Management

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Eric Schmidt, head of the Fresno Deputy Sheriff's Association, will have his battery case dismissed if he completes anger management. (GV Wire File)
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The head of Fresno County’s sheriff’s deputy union received 12 weeks of anger management classes after being charged with a misdemeanor battery.

Fresno County Sheriff’s Deputy Eric Schmidt

Eric Schmidt was not in attendance for his arraignment in front of Fresno County Judge Stephanie Negin on Wednesday, as he was not required to be. His attorney, Roger Wilson, appeared on his behalf.

Schmidt, 47, was charged in September for an incident that took place on Feb. 15, 2023. Because the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office had a conflict of interest, Tulare County handled the case.

If Schmidt Stays Out of Trouble, Case Will Be Dismissed

Wilson worked out a deal with the prosecutor and Negin under a diversion program. As long as Schmidt completes the program before the next hearing on March 1, and stays out of trouble, the case will be dismissed. Schmidt did not enter a formal plea.

Among the reasons Negin cited for the diversion, Wilson said, were Schmidt’s 26 years of law enforcement experience, no criminal record, and that the allegation came during a stressful time. Schmidt allegedly got into an altercation with another FCSO deputy at Selland Arena during the preparations for the funeral of slain Selma police officer Gonzalo Carrasco Jr.

Schmidt has worked with the sheriff’s office since 1997 and has been the president of the Fresno Deputy Sheriff’s Association since 2008. He may still face discipline within the department.

KMPH Fox 26 was among the first to report the story.

 

Curiosity drives David Taub. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read. Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl. When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue! You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email

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