Tom Hanks Accuser Faces Kidnapping Lawsuit

Tom Hanks Accuser Jeannette Garcia Faces New Kidnapping Allegations

In a stunning turn of events, Avondale City Council member Jeannette Garcia—who previously sparked controversy by calling actor Tom Hanks a "pedo" on social media—is now facing serious allegations of kidnapping and sexual harassment. The council member, known for her far-right political affiliations, is being sued by an anonymous father and his 14-year-old daughter over claims that she drunkenly propositioned the father and briefly abducted his daughter.

From Viral Controversy to Legal Battle

Garcia first made headlines in February when she posted inflammatory comments about beloved actor Tom Hanks on X (formerly Twitter). After calling Hanks a "pedo," Garcia later claimed she meant the Spanish word for "fart" (pedo) rather than "pedophile." Despite her explanation, the Avondale City Council condemned the remarks. Her history of controversial remarks continued in July when she told Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego to "tell your wife to stay home and watch your kids."

"Garcia began making remarks inviting and suggesting her interest in having sex or being intimate with Father Doe, which he repeatedly rebuffed." – Lawsuit Allegations

The New Lawsuit: Kidnapping and Harassment Claims

Filed on November 14, 2025, in Maricopa County Superior Court, the lawsuit alleges that Garcia, while intoxicated at a post-election celebration with Turning Point USA colleagues, propositioned her male supervisor (identified as "Father Doe") for sex. When he refused, she allegedly retaliated by picking up his 14-year-old daughter without permission, taking her to an undisclosed location while intoxicated.

The father discovered his daughter missing at 1:15 AM after returning home from the restaurant. Deputies from the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office informed him that his daughter was "safe" and with Garcia. The lawsuit claims Garcia spent hours with the girl before allowing the father to retrieve her around noon the next day.

According to court documents, the ordeal left the teenager with severe trauma, including social withdrawal, academic decline, and persistent fear of leaving home. The plaintiffs are suing for false imprisonment, negligence, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and civil conspiracy.

Political Fallout and Employer Liability

The lawsuit names not only Garcia but also Turning Point USA—where she worked as a supervisor—and the City of Avondale, claiming both are vicariously liable for her actions. Maricopa County Sheriff Russ Skinner is also named for the "complicit conduct" of deputies involved in the incident. Garcia, a MAGA darling associated with Charlie Kirk's organization, has not yet responded to the allegations.

What's Next?

As the legal proceedings unfold, Garcia—who was appointed to the Avondale City Council in October 2024—faces potential political and professional consequences. The lawsuit raises serious questions about workplace conduct, accountability for public officials, and the intersection of political activism and personal behavior. For now, the case remains in its early stages, with defendants yet to file formal responses in court.