High-Speed Rail Leader Takes Leave After Domestic Battery Arrest

Sacramento DA declines to file charges against California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO Ian Choudri

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The leader of the California High-Speed Rail Authority, Ian Choudri, will be taking a temporary leave of absence after being arrested on suspicion of domestic battery. However, the Sacramento County District Attorney's Office has declined to file charges, citing insufficient evidence to prove a 'dominant aggressor' in the incident.

Why it matters

The California High-Speed Rail project is a highly politicized and publicly funded infrastructure initiative, so any allegations of misconduct or criminal behavior involving its leadership are closely scrutinized. The decision by the district attorney not to file charges has raised questions about potential political motivations, given that the DA is running for Congress.

The details

Choudri, 57, was arrested on February 4th along with his fiancée Lyudmyla Starostyuk on suspicion of domestic battery. Police dispatch recordings indicate the victim may have been Choudri's daughter. However, the DA's office said there was insufficient evidence to clearly determine a 'dominant aggressor' and thus declined to file charges, citing the lack of visible injuries to either individual.

  • Choudri was arrested on February 4, 2026 on suspicion of domestic battery.
  • The Sacramento County District Attorney's Office declined to file charges on February 18, 2026.

The players

Ian Choudri

The CEO of the California High-Speed Rail Authority who was arrested on suspicion of domestic battery but will not face charges.

Lyudmyla Starostyuk

Choudri's fiancée who was also arrested on suspicion of domestic battery and cruel or inhuman corporal punishment of a child.

Thien Ho

The Sacramento County District Attorney who is running for Congress and declined to file charges against Choudri.

David Tangipa

A California State Assemblymember who raised questions about the DA's decision not to file charges.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“What I do know is there was an argument between family members of my client's family.”

— Allen Sawyer, Choudri's attorney (KCRA)

“Wait... the Sacramento DA is running for Congress (Democrat), and now a domestic violence case involving the High-Speed Rail CEO (Largest publicly funded 'infrastructure' project and highly politicized' is suddenly dismissed? I have more questions now than I did before.”

— David Tangipa, California State Assemblymember (X)

What’s next

The California High-Speed Rail Authority Board and the California State Transportation Agency will fully review and assess the situation involving Choudri before determining if he can return from his temporary leave of absence.

The takeaway

This case has raised concerns about potential political influence in the decision not to file charges against the leader of California's high-profile and controversial high-speed rail project, especially given the district attorney's own political ambitions. It highlights the need for thorough, impartial investigations into allegations of misconduct by public officials.