Congressman repping South Solano tells Fox News Channel to back off

A Congressman representing some parts of Solano County is criticizing the Fox News Channel over its coverage of a DUI incident involving the husband of Representative Nancy Pelosi.

In a series of tweets posted on Thursday, Representative Mike Thompson accused the conservative-leaning news network of promoting "conspiracy theories" centered around a criminal case brought against Paul Pelosi, who was arrested and charged in connection with a car crash several months ago.

In May, police say Pelosi was driving a newer-model Porsche when he collided with a 2014 Jeep near the town of Yountville in Napa County. The driver of the Jeep was injured, and Pelosi was later arrested following a blood alcohol test that allegedly affirmed his intoxication at the time of the crash.

Pelosi was released on a $5,000 bond and entered a plea of not guilty at his arraignment earlier this week. On Wednesday, Fox News commentator Jesse Watters questioned whether the prosecutor involved in the case was showing preferential treatment to Pelosi because of his political connections.

"Just because Pauly P is married to the Wolf of Washington, he doesn't get a free pass," Watters said in his opening monologue. "If he does the crime, he should do the time."

Watters went on to question to what extent the driver involved in the crash was injured, saying information and evidence related to that matter has yet to be publicly released. He noted that the extent of injuries could elevate Pelosi's charge from a misdemeanor to a felony, and questioned whether Napa County District Attorney Allison Haley had an incentive to keep the charge a misdemeanor.

During the segment, Fox News aired a clip from a press conference held after Pelosi's arraignment, during which Haley was asked by a reporter if the defendant was receiving preferential treatment.

"I can assure you that, but for press conferences and phone calls, this matter is being handled like any other matter that Napa County handles," Haley said.

According to a person familiar with the matter, that line of questioning drew the ire of Thompson, who fired off two tweets the following day demanding the Fox News Channel "leave our Napa district attorney alone."

"[District Attorney] Haley is held in the highest regards as one of the top district attorneys in the state and across the country," Thompson wrote. "Everything she does is by the letter of the law."

Thompson said those with concerns about her job should "file a complaint with the state bar — otherwise, leave her the hell alone."

Solano NewsNet reached out to a spokesperson at the Fox News Channel and is waiting to hear back for a comment.

Thompson represents constituents in California's 5th Congressional District, which includes all of Napa County and the communities of Benicia and Vallejo in Solano County. He is running for re-election in the newly-formed 4th Congressional District, which will include Vacaville and Dixon starting next January.