American Nightmare viewers launch petition against Vallejo detective Mat Mustard

If you’ve watched American Nightmare on Netflix, chances are you have some strong feelings about Vallejo Police detective Mat Mustard – and now a petition against him has been launched. 

American Nightmare centers on the so-called “Gone Girl kidnapping,” a term used to describe and discredit the experience of Denise Huskins and her partner Aaron Quinn, whose California home was ambushed in 2015. 

Despite substantial evidence to suggest they were victims of an attack, the Vallejo Police Department and later the FBI accused Huskins and Quinn of creating an elaborate hoax. It wasn’t until a similar crime unfolded in nearby Dublin and the local police got involved that the real perpetrator – Matthew Muller – was arrested.

Vallejo detective Mat Mustard and FBI agent David Sesma are now under intense scrutiny for how they handled the case, so much so that a petition has been launched. 

American Nightmare viewers launch petition against Mat Mustard

The ending of American Nightmare shows that despite how he handled the case, Mat Mustard and his Vallejo colleagues weren’t disciplined, as the civil suit – which awarded Huskins and Quinn $2.5 million – was settled out of court. Additionally, Mustard was named Officer of the Year in 2015 – the year Huskins was kidnapped.

This, coupled with the fact that Mustard is now a high ranking officer in Vallejo PD, has led to a petition being launched demanding the dismissal of Mat Mustard from the Vallejo Police Department. The petition has received 111 of its 200 signature goal, having been launched on January 20 by Kay Wagner.

They wrote: “Under his leadership, there has been an alarming increase in complaints about police misconduct in our community. According to data from the California Department of Justice, complaints against Vallejo Police have risen by 60% over the past five years (California DOJ). This is unacceptable.

“As well as thinking the ‘Gone Girl’ was not true, failing to listen and do anything about kidnappers. So bad that the kidnapper came forward with proof that Denise was telling the truth. 

“We need a leader who will prioritize public safety and respect for all citizens. We need someone who will listen when we report crimes and take action to protect us. Mat Mustard has shown that he is not that leader.”

Wagner continues: “It’s time for accountability within our police department. It’s time for Mat Mustard to step down or be removed from his position as head of the Vallejo Police Department.”

A petition has also been launched against David Sesma “demanding accountability” for how he “mishandled Denise Huskins’ case.” Creator Seth Stuart highlights the fact that Sesma had dated Andrea Roberts – Quinn’s ex-fiancée and the intended target of the abduction. 

“When David Sesma chose not only to remain involved but also furthered victim blaming, he contributed to a growing mistrust in our legal system. Sexual assault victims already face immense challenges when coming forward; his actions only exacerbate this issue,” wrote Stuart. 

The call to action finishes: “We demand a thorough investigation into Agent Sesma’s conduct during this case and appropriate disciplinary action against him if found guilty. By signing this petition, you stand with us in demanding accountability within our legal system and asserting that no one – not even law enforcement – should be above reproach or consequence when they fail those they are sworn to protect.”

At the time of writing, 912 people have signed the petition, which has a 1000-signature goal. One of those who took part wrote: “No woman should ever have to feel the way Denise Huskins did. She was a CLEAR VICTIM. And f*cking David Sesma and the whole Vallejo Police Department did nothing to help her.”

Another said: “As a law enforcement official, Mr. Sesma didn’t recuse himself from the investigation when he was clearly conflicted. He is a good reason people don’t trust LEO. That he was not at least disciplined fascinates me and it is wrong.”

American Nightmare is streaming on Netflix now – you can read more about where Mustard is now here, what happened to Sesma here, and more about the Vallejo Police Department here.