California High-Speed Rail CEO Cleared to Return to Work After Arrest

Ian Choudri was arrested on suspicion of domestic battery but will resume his position after an independent review.

Mar. 6, 2026 at 6:05am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The CEO of the California High-Speed Rail Authority, Ian Choudri, has been cleared to return to work after he was recently arrested on suspicion of domestic battery. The Sacramento district attorney declined to file criminal charges, and the California High-Speed Rail Authority board of directors reviewed an independent legal investigation before deciding Choudri could resume his position.

Why it matters

The California High-Speed Rail project is a major infrastructure initiative, and the CEO's leadership is crucial to its success. The arrest and subsequent investigation raised concerns about the CEO's conduct and ability to lead the organization, so the board's decision to reinstate him after review is significant.

The details

Ian Choudri, 57, was arrested in Folsom last month on suspicion of domestic battery following a disturbance call to his home. The Sacramento district attorney declined to file criminal charges. Choudri was placed on administrative leave after the incident was reported in the media. The board of directors at the Rail Authority discussed an independent legal review of the arrest during a closed session meeting and decided that Choudri could resume his position.

  • Choudri was arrested on February 4, 2026.
  • The board of directors met on March 4, 2026 to review the independent investigation.
  • Choudri was cleared to return to work on March 5, 2026.

The players

Ian Choudri

The 57-year-old CEO of the California High-Speed Rail Authority who was arrested on suspicion of domestic battery but was cleared to return to work after an independent review.

Tom Richards

The chair of the California High-Speed Rail Authority board of directors.

Allen Sawyer

The criminal defense attorney hired by Choudri to handle the matter, who initially advised Choudri to keep the arrest under wraps.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Based on the information available to me at the time, I believed he (Choudri) had done nothing wrong. Given my experience as a criminal defense attorney, I was also mindful that facts can be mischaracterized or misconstrued.”

— Allen Sawyer, Criminal Defense Attorney

“The board met in closed session and completed its review of the independent counsel investigation to consider all available information regarding the matter concerning CEO Ian Choudri. The board requests Mr. Choudri return to work tomorrow, March 5.”

— Tom Richards, Board Chair, California High-Speed Rail Authority

What’s next

The California High-Speed Rail Authority will continue its work on the major infrastructure project with Choudri resuming his role as CEO.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of due process and thorough investigation when allegations are made against high-profile public officials. The board's decision to reinstate Choudri after an independent review suggests they found no wrongdoing, underscoring the need to avoid rushing to judgment based on initial reports.