Orange County DA dismisses charges against man beaten by Santa Ana officers

The Orange County District Attorney’s office announced that it will not pursue the felony charges stemming from Florentino Lopez’s October 1 arrest, opting instead for a probation-violation sanction based on the evidence, including body-camera video. Lopez, who had pleaded not guilty to resisting arrest, marijuana possession near a school, and blocking a roadway, remains on probation for a separate hit-and-run and weapons case.

His lawyer said the viral video and public outcry likely influenced the dismissal, though a probation-violation hearing is scheduled for December. Santa Ana City Council has ordered an independent investigation into the officers, Luis Casillas and Marco Benavides, and may release their identities and footage if severe injury is confirmed. The officers have faced prior scrutiny in separate shootings and use-of-force incidents, but no criminal charges have been filed against them to date.