A former chair of the San Diego County Democratic Party has been cleared of wrongdoing in a two-year-old accusation of sexual assault.
Will Rodriguez-Kennedy took a leave of absence from his post in May 2022, calling the allegations “completely false” and adding that he was only stepping aside because the local party had “critical work that must continue.”
Rodriguez-Kennedy was accused of assaulting plaintiff Oscar Rendon, then 23, in August 2021 at the home of City Councilmember Stephen Whitburn. The councilmember was initially accused of not intervening, but was dropped from the civil suit earlier this year.
On Wednesday, Rodriguez-Kennedy and Rendon issued a joint statement.
“Recently we have had the opportunity to meet and discuss a misunderstanding that caused us both a lot of pain,” the statement said.
“It is unfortunate that certain political actors took advantage of this misunderstanding in an effort to damage William’s reputation and career.
“With this behind us, we are wishing each other the very best as we move on with our lives. William and I would like everyone to respect our peace and privacy moving forward.”
In 2022, Rodriguez-Kennedy said that he had been cleared of wrongdoing by the San Diego County District Attorney’s office.
“Today we celebrate the truth: my client is innocent,” said attorney Marlea Dell’Anno, who represented Rodriguez-Kennedy.
“Tomorrow, we begin assessing our legal options for holding accountable the people responsible for this egregious act.”
Becca Taylor was elected in January 2023 to succeed Rodriguez-Kennedy after he stepped down. Taylor was killed earlier this month in a motorcycle crash.
