Fowler city councilmember accused of assaulting Bay Area councilwoman in Florida

FOWLER, Calif. (KFSN) -- A Bay Area city councilwoman is accusing a Fowler city councilman and former Fowler mayor of assault as the two attended a conference in Florida.

The alleged incident came to light earlier this week when San Leandro Vice Mayor Xouhoa Bowen went on the record naming Daniel Parra during a San Leandro city council meeting.

"On November 13, 2024, while I was attending an event at the National League of Cities, annual conference in Tampa, Florida, Daniel Parra, a member of the city of Fowler City Council, physically violated me," said Bowen during the meeting.

"Mr. Parra is an immediate past president of the League of California Cities. I filed a report with the City of Tampa Police Department. The Tampa Police Department commenced a criminal investigation into Daniel Parra's actions."

During the meeting, Bowen didn't go into details about her allegations.

However, Action News obtained documents from the Florida State Attorney's Office that Bowen reported Parra kissed her without consent.

In the court document dated January 3, 2025, she told an investigator "While at a social gathering, I saw the defendant and greeted him We spoke while casually dancing. The defendant made a sexually suggestive comment about my appearance. Defendant leaned in and kissed me on the lips without my consent."

It went on to say "I left in a state of shock."

The document also alleges that an unwanted kiss was caught on surveillance video.

Parra was charged with misdemeanor battery on March 10th - and is scheduled to appear in court in Tampa, Florida on the 31st.

Action News reached out to Parra, who declined to comment and directed us to his attorney who provided a statement that reads, "He is innocent. And we intend to prove it. Stay tuned."

Beyond his role as councilman, Parra is also the city manager of Orange Cove and serves as a regional board member for the League of California Cities Latino Caucus.

Neither entity replied to requests for comment Thursday night.

After addressing her concerns, Bowen gave voice to others who may find themselves in a similar situation.

"Finally, I want to say to the women and others holding public office who have experienced bodily violations and acts of harm that you are not alone, nor are you powerless," said Bowen.

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