Judge Grants Faizon Love Mental Health Diversion
The actor must complete a treatment program to potentially see his felony assault charges dismissed.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Criminal Justice
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A San Diego judge has granted actor Faizon Love two years of mental health diversion following a felony assault charge from 2024. The ruling cancels a previously scheduled jury trial in the case.
Why it matters
California law allows for mental health diversion for defendants with qualifying disorders, prioritizing treatment over standard prosecution. If the program is successfully completed, the criminal charges against Love will be dismissed.
The court requires Love to attend counseling at least twice a month and complete a 12-hour anger management course. The charges stemmed from an August 2024 incident at a Mission Valley hotel.
The players
Faizon Love
Faizon Love is an American actor and comedian known for his roles in various film and television productions.
Albert T. Harutunian III
Albert T. Harutunian III is a Superior Court Judge serving in the San Diego judicial system.
The details
Judge Albert T. Harutunian III granted the diversion after determining that a mental health disorder contributed to the alleged incident where Love reportedly threw a credit card reader. Love is barred from contacting the Sheraton hotel or its employees as part of the court order.
Timeline
The alleged prior confrontational behavior incidents occurred in 2002.
The alleged felony assault occurred in August 2024.
Love began voluntary mental health care in 2025.
Judge Albert T. Harutunian III granted diversion on October 21, 2026.
The court will conduct a progress review in January 2027.
Legal Context
This decision follows the provisions of California's mental health diversion statute, which allows treatment for certain defendants. The ruling reflects a broader legal trend of prioritizing clinical intervention for offenders with documented mental health conditions.
The court has issued a strict stay-away order preventing the defendant from entering the specific Mission Valley hotel where the incident occurred. This measure ensures the safety of the hotel's employees and the local community during the diversion period.
The takeaway
This case highlights the procedural pathway available to defendants who can demonstrate that a mental health disorder contributed to their offense. It underscores the court's discretion in balancing public safety with rehabilitative legal mandates.
What happens next
The court is scheduled to hold a progress review hearing for the defendant in January 2027.
Further reading
For additional context on local legal proceedings, visit the Criminal Justice section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NBC 7 San Diego.
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