A former aide to Carson Councilwoman Arleen Bocatija Rojas has come forward with serious allegations, claiming he was improperly tasked with personal household duties and misused city resources for her benefit. Justin Battle, who filed a lawsuit against the city in 2024, asserts that he was wrongfully dismissed for raising concerns about these actions and refusing to comply with requests he deemed inappropriate.
Allegations of Improper Conduct
In the court documents, Battle details his experience working under Rojas, stating that during his tenure, he was often required to be available around the clock for personal errands. These tasks reportedly included mowing Rojas’ lawn, organizing her vacations, and even picking up dry cleaning. Perhaps most controversially, he alleges he was directed to use LAPD tracking tools to monitor the movements of a fellow council member’s partner.
Battle insists that Rojas not only asked him to spy on Jim Dear, another council member, but also pressured him to film and record his actions. These unsettling requests led him to express his concerns to Assistant City Manager Robert Lennox on multiple occasions, seeking guidance and support. However, despite his complaints, Battle claims that Rojas’ demands did not relent.
City’s Defense and Ongoing Legal Battle
In response to Battle’s claims, the city’s attorneys have filed documents arguing that he was let go for legitimate performance-related issues rather than any alleged misconduct. They point to his dual employment at an LAUSD middle school, claiming that his work schedules conflicted and hindered his ability to fulfill the role of a council aide adequately.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Carson’s legal team contends that Battle has not met the necessary criteria to substantiate his whistleblower claims, suggesting that his case lacks sufficient grounds to proceed. A jury trial is set to begin in June, with both sides preparing for a contentious legal battle.
This dramatic case highlights the challenges of balancing public duties with personal requests, leaving many to question the lines between professional and private responsibilities within local government.
