CSUCI Professor Acquitted of Assaulting Federal Officer

Jury returns not-guilty verdict after two-day trial in Los Angeles

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:06am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a spent tear gas canister, its textured metal surface and dramatic shadows creating a stark, gritty investigative aesthetic.The acquittal of a professor accused of assaulting federal officers during a cannabis raid highlights the complexities of clashes between protesters and law enforcement.Santa Barbara Today

Jonathan Caravello, a 38-year-old lecturer at CSU Channel Islands, was acquitted by a Los Angeles jury on charges of assaulting federal officers during a protest at a cannabis raid in Camarillo. The jury deliberated for just hours before returning the not-guilty verdict at the end of the two-day trial.

Why it matters

The case highlighted tensions between law enforcement and protesters during a high-profile federal raid on a cannabis operation, with the defense arguing the tear gas canister was originally thrown by agents. The acquittal raises questions about the strength of the government's case and the potential overcharging of the defendant.

The details

Caravello was accused of throwing a tear gas canister at federal agents during the June DHS raid on the Glass House Farms cannabis operation in Camarillo. He faced up to 20 years in prison if convicted. The defense argued that Caravello had lobbed the canister over the heads of officers and that no one was harmed, and that the canister was originally thrown at protesters by federal agents.

  • The incident occurred during a June DHS raid on the Glass House Farms cannabis operation in Camarillo.
  • Caravello's trial lasted two days and concluded on April 9, 2026 with his acquittal.

The players

Jonathan Caravello

A 38-year-old lecturer at CSU Channel Islands who was acquitted of assaulting federal officers during a protest at a cannabis raid.

Justin Tuttle

A veteran criminal defense attorney who teaches at The Colleges of Law in Ventura and Santa Barbara, and who said he was not surprised by Caravello's acquittal.

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What they’re saying

“The case was grossly overcharged to begin with and the government witnesses lost credibility in multiple trials leading up to this trial and ultimate verdict.”

— Justin Tuttle, Criminal Defense Attorney

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges prosecutors can face when bringing charges against protesters, especially when there are disputes over the actions of law enforcement. The acquittal raises questions about the strength of the government's evidence and the potential for overcharging in similar cases involving clashes between authorities and demonstrators.