By Dick LaFontaine and Richard Luthmann
California’s judicial system hit a new low with the case of Adriana Duarte Valentines, a 45-year-old illegal immigrant who won a $6.7 million judgment against D.E.L.T.A. Rescue, a nonprofit animal sanctuary.
The verdict, deemed by many as emblematic of California’s WOKE descent, threatens to shutter the largest animal sanctuary of its kind in the world and leave over 1,500 rescued animals facing displacement or euthanasia.
Investigative journalist Frank Parlato of the Frank Report (www.frankreport.com) first brought attention to the case, which has since ignited nationwide outrage.
Journalists Michael Volpe and Richard Luthmann discussed the story on a recent episode of The Unknown Podcast.
“This case epitomizes California’s tilted legal scales and descent into socialist dystopia,” said Luthmann. “It’s a state where ambulance chasers grandstand, criminals win big, and honest people and organizations pay the price.”
From Lettuce Picker to Legal Windfall
Adriana Duarte entered the U.S. illegally in 2002, working as a lettuce picker before joining D.E.L.T.A. Rescue in 2017. While employed, Duarte allegedly engaged in theft, including stealing animal supplies later sold to criminal networks tied to Mexican cartels. She also reportedly spent work hours in the trailer of her lover, neglecting her duties.
Duarte filed a wrongful termination suit in Los Angeles Superior Court after her abrupt resignation in 2020, despite her criminal status, thefts, and other misconduct.
Presiding Judge Kristin Escalante excluded critical evidence, including Duarte’s illegal status, allegations of theft, and her suspiciously staged pregnancy. “This judge practically gift-wrapped the verdict,” said Richard Luthmann, co-host of The Unknown Podcast. “The jury only saw a ‘victimized,’ pregnant woman. The truth was buried.”
Judge Escalante’s WOKE Activism
Critics argue that Judge Escalante’s rulings reflect a broader trend of judicial activism overriding common sense. Evidence of Duarte’s misconduct, including her involvement with Mexican cartels and alleged theft of sanctuary resources, was dismissed as “prejudicial.”
Meanwhile, the sanctuary’s nonprofit status and the devastating impact of the verdict were concealed from the jury.
“Judge Escalante had her thumb—and maybe her whole hand—on the scales of justice,” quipped one courtroom observer. “Her rulings left no room for truth, only for WOKE optics.”
The Fallout for D.E.L.T.A. Rescue
Founded by Leo Grillo, D.E.L.T.A. Rescue has been a haven for abused and neglected animals for decades. Now, the sanctuary’s survival is at stake.
Grillo is understandably frustrated.
“We’ve dedicated our lives to these animals. This verdict could wipe us out and leave 1,500 animals homeless—or worse. This sanctuary is a beacon of hope,” Grillo said. “To destroy it over a case riddled with lies is a tragedy.”
Legendary actor, entertainer, and producer Robert Davi has joined the conversation.
The sanctuary’s potential closure has sparked widespread concern, with animal welfare advocates warning of catastrophic consequences for the animals.
Lex Luthor’s Plan Doesn’t Sound So Crazy
In Superman: The Movie (1978), Gene Hackman’s Lex Luthor plotted to sink California into the Pacific Ocean. Once considered absurd, Luthmann and others have noted its eerie resonance today.
“With California’s courts rewarding fraud and crushing good work, maybe Luthor had a point,” Luthmann remarked.
Michael Volpe, co-host of The Unknown Podcast, added, “This isn’t just about one case. It’s about a judicial system that’s become a parody of itself, prioritizing WOKE narratives over justice.”
The D.E.L.T.A. Rescue case has become a flashpoint in the debate over California’s trajectory. Critics point to the mass exodus of businesses and residents, rising crime, and deteriorating public services as evidence of a state in freefall. Between 2020 and 2024, over 350 companies, including Tesla and Oracle, left California for states with more favorable policies.
“This is the end of America as we know it in the Golden State,” warned one analyst. “If California’s current trajectory is the blueprint, the state’s future looks grim.”
A WOKE Lawyer’s Meltdown
The case has also drawn attention to John M. Peterson, a New York City attorney who lambasted Luthmann for his coverage of the case. Peterson called Luthmann “racist” for highlighting Duarte’s history of crime, lettuce picking, and the case’s absurdity.
Luthmann fired back, calling Peterson a “WOKE ambulance-chasing idiot.” The heated exchange underscores the polarizing nature of this lawsuit.
We asked Duarte’s Los Angeles attorneys, Viridiana Edith Aceves, Jacob A. Nalbandyan, and Charlene Nercess, to answer questions and comment before publication. They did not respond. Here is what we asked:
From: Dick LaFontaine, Investigative Journalist <RALafontaine@protonmail.com>
Date: On Wednesday, January 1st, 2025 at 12:13 PM
Subject: Duarte Valentines v. Dedication and Everlasting Love to Animals dba D.E.L.T.A. Rescue, a California Corporation
To: jnalbandyan@LNtriallawyers.com <jnalbandyan@LNtriallawyers.com>, viridiana@aceves.law <viridiana@aceves.law>, cnercess@lntriallawyers.com <cnercess@lntriallawyers.com>, vaceves@lntriallawyers.com <vaceves@lntriallawyers.com>
CC: mvolpe998@gmail.com <mvolpe998@gmail.com>, Richard Luthmann <richard.luthmann@protonmail.com>, mthomasnast@protonmail.com <mthomasnast@protonmail.com>, RickLaRiviere@proton.me <RickLaRiviere@proton.me>, frankiepressman@protonmail.com <frankiepressman@protonmail.com>, frankparlato@gmail.com <frankparlato@gmail.com>, frank.morano@wabcradio.com <frank.morano@wabcradio.com>
Counselors,We are investigative reporters and media members covering the above-referenced case concerning your client, Adriana Duarte Valentines, and DELTA Rescue.
We are running a piece and would like to afford your client an opportunity to answer questions and comment.
Fairness of the Trial and Judge Escalante’s Evidentiary Rulings
Judge Escalante excluded key evidence regarding Ms. Duarte Valentines' criminal conduct and immigration status. Do you believe this contributed to a fair trial?
What is your response to claims that excluding evidence of theft and the alleged staged pregnancy misled the jury?
Critics argue Judge Escalante’s rulings heavily favored your client. Do you believe these rulings were impartial?
Do you support the exclusion of evidence about Ms. Duarte Valentines’ alleged ties to Mexican cartels and theft of sanctuary supplies?
Judge Escalante permitted evidence that Mr. Grillo referred to your client as a “lettuce picker” without context. Do you feel this was appropriate?
Client’s Alleged Criminal Conduct
Your client reportedly used a false Social Security number to obtain employment. How does this align with the claim that she is a victim of workplace discrimination?
Witnesses allege your client stole supplies from D.E.L.T.A. Rescue and sold them to criminal networks. Do you dispute these claims?
Was the decision to frame Ms. Duarte Valentines as a victim of pregnancy discrimination influenced by the potential to gain sympathy from the jury?
How do you respond to allegations that the pregnancy might have been staged for the purpose of litigation?
Why was there no effort to address or refute these criminal allegations during the trial?
Impact on D.E.L.T.A. Rescue and Animal Welfare
Do you acknowledge that D.E.L.T.A. Rescue faces closure due to the $6.7 million verdict?
Critics claim the sanctuary’s closure could result in the euthanasia of over 1,500 rescue animals. What is your response to these concerns?
How do you justify pursuing a lawsuit with such catastrophic potential consequences for a nonprofit organization?
Have you or your client considered the broader ethical implications of this verdict on the lives of these animals?
How do you reconcile the outcome of this lawsuit with the mission of justice and fairness?
Ethics and Professional Responsibility
Was your client fully transparent with you regarding her immigration status and alleged criminal activities?
Do you believe pursuing this case aligns with your ethical obligations as officers of the court?
What is your response to those who say this case sets a dangerous precedent for nonprofits and other organizations?
Were there any efforts by your legal team to negotiate a settlement that would preserve the sanctuary and its animals?
What do you say to the critics who argue this lawsuit weaponized California’s judicial system against a small nonprofit?
Public and Legal Backlash
How do you respond to journalist Frank Parlato’s reporting that labels this case as emblematic of California’s “WOKE” legal system?
The story has drawn significant public attention, including from high-profile figures like actor Robert Davi. What is your reaction to this scrutiny?
Some have likened this case to a “lettuce picker lottery.” Do you feel this characterization is unfair?
If D.E.L.T.A. Rescue appeals, do you believe the evidentiary rulings and verdict will stand up to higher court review?
Would your team support mediation or any other steps to mitigate the impact on the sanctuary and its animals?
General Questions
What is your perspective on California’s judicial system as it relates to this case?
Do you feel your client was the true victim in this situation? Why or why not?
Do you think nonprofits operating in California face undue risks from litigation under the current legal environment?
How would you address those who view this case as an abuse of the judicial process?
If this case were tried outside California, do you believe the outcome would have been the same?
Please contact us with any responses or additional comment. If we do not receive your response by the time of publication, we will include the information in a follow-up.
Regards,
Dick LaFontaine
Investigative Journalist
Conclusion: Justice for Sale?
As D.E.L.T.A. Rescue teeters on the brink, many are asking whether California’s judicial system is salvageable. The Adriana Duarte case exemplifies a state where WOKE policies overshadow justice, leaving honest organizations and citizens to bear the consequences.
Richard Luthmann summed it up: “This isn’t just a California problem—it’s a warning for the rest of America. Fix this, or face the fallout. Maybe Lex Luthor was right all along.”
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