California Gov. Gavin Newsom, left, and High‑Speed Rail Authority CEO Ian Choudri hold a news conference in Wasco, Calif., Tuesday, Feb.3, 2026.

LATEST Feb. 18, 12:45 p.m. The CEO of California’s High-Speed Rail Authority is on voluntary leave after an arrest earlier this month at his Sacramento-area home, multiple outlets reported. 

Politico and the Los Angeles Times both reported that the rail authority confirmed Ian Choudri’s leave. The rail authority did not respond to SFGATE’s inquiry.

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“While CEO Choudri has informed the California High-Speed Rail Authority Board that he is not aware of any evidence of wrongdoing, he has voluntarily agreed to take a temporary leave to allow the Board and our parent agency, the California State Transportation Agency, to fully review and assess the situation,” rail authority spokesperson Peter Whippy told Politico. “We are taking this matter seriously, consistent with our longstanding commitment to public responsibility, transparency, and accountability.”

Feb. 17, 4 p.m. The CEO of California’s High-Speed Rail Authority was arrested earlier this month at his Sacramento-area home, although the county district attorney’s office did not file charges.  

Ian Choudri, who has been........

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