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150 ARRESTED at Massive Super-Spreader Event 960 768 SIB Staff

150 ARRESTED at Massive Super-Spreader Event

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Arrests Over 150 People at a Massive “Super-Spreader” Event in Palmdale  

On Tuesday, December 8, 2020, Sheriff Alex Villanueva announced details and results from an operation at a super-spreader event on Saturday, December 5, 2020, in Palmdale. The operation was done with extensive coordination and meticulous planning from various bureaus and units, including the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station, Human Trafficking Force, Operation Safe Streets Bureau, Aero Bureau, three patrol squads of the Mobile Field Force Personnel, and the Los Angeles County Fire Department. 

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department obtained information that a massive underground party would occur at a vacant house in Palmdale. Previous incidents revealed parties like these often involve drugs, prostitution, underage drinking, and violence.  

During the well-executed operation on the 6300 blocks of West Avenue M8, 158 individuals were arrested; 116 of them were adults, and 35 were juveniles. Six firearms were confiscated. Most importantly, a girl that was categorized as a Commercially Sexually Exploited Child was rescued. The event was not only a violation of the Governor’s health order, but it was also criminal in nature. 

Sheriff Villanueva asked local and state politicians to reconsider allowing the restaurant industry to re-open and instead target super-spreader events, which account for most COVID-19 transmissions. 

“We will continue to apply common sense to our enforcement actions and weigh the letter of the law with the spirit of the law. It is my firm belief that this approach is a more efficient and effective means to manage the spread of this potentially deadly virus,” said Sheriff Villanueva. 

Press Conference: Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Arrests Over 150 People at a Massive “Super-spreader” Event in Palmdale

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Arrests Over 150 People at a Massive “Super-Spreader” Event in Palmdale.On Tuesday, December 8, 2020, Sheriff Alex Villanueva announced details and results from an operation at a super-spreader event on Saturday, December 5, 2020, in Palmdale. The operation was done with extensive coordination and meticulous planning from various bureaus and units, including the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station, Human Trafficking Force, Operation Safe Streets Bureau, Aero Bureau, three patrol squads of the Mobile Field Force Personnel, and the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department obtained information that a massive underground party would occur at a vacant house in Palmdale. Previous incidents revealed parties like these often involve drugs, prostitution, underage drinking, and violence. During the well-executed operation on the 6300 blocks of West Avenue M8, 158 individuals were arrested; 116 of them were adults, and 35 were juveniles. Six firearms were confiscated. Most importantly, a girl that was categorized as a Commercially Sexually Exploited Child was rescued. The event was not only a violation of the Governor’s health order, but it was also criminal in nature. Sheriff Villanueva asked local and state politicians to reconsider allowing the restaurant industry to re-open and instead, target super-spreader events, which account for most COVID-19 transmissions. “We will continue to apply common sense to our enforcement actions and weigh the letter of the law with the spirit of the law. It is my firm belief that this approach is a more efficient and effective means to manage the spread of this potentially deadly virus,” said Sheriff Villanueva.

Posted by Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department on Tuesday, December 8, 2020
LASD Seize Large Amount of Drugs and Illegal Firearms 960 768 SIB Staff

LASD Seize Large Amount of Drugs and Illegal Firearms

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Operation Safe Streets Bureau Seize Large Amount of Drugs and Illegal Firearms

On the morning of Tuesday, December 1, 2020, Detectives from Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Operation Safe Streets (OSS) Bureau, conducted a follow up investigation involving a felon in possession of a firearm. Detectives authored and served two search warrants for two locations in the city of El Monte.

During the search warrant, detectives seized eight firearms and a large amount of narcotics which included over 100 lbs. of methamphetamines and approximately 15 lbs. of heroin. Two suspects, both adult males, were arrested for felon in possession of loaded firearms and narcotics for the purposes of sales.

“Despite trying times, our personnel continues to proactively provide the best public safety possible. A lot of delinquent lifestyles start at a young age and involve drugs, gangs and of course, violence. I’m really proud of our OSS Bureau’s dedication, determination and commitment to keep our community safe,” said Sheriff Villanueva.

OSS provides enforcement aimed at combating the criminal activities of hard-core gangs, while intervening to discourage youth from continuing in gang activities.  

Even in the middle of a pandemic criminal activity does not stop. This year, teams from OSS have arrested 461 suspects for violent crimes, and they have seized 305 firearms and conducted 470 search warrant operations.

Anyone who sees activity that appears to be suspicious or criminal in nature should contact their local sheriff’s station, or remain anonymous and call “Crime Stoppers” at (800) 222-TIPS.

SHERIFF’S COMMENTS – BOS AGENDA ITEM 16 680 380 SIB Staff

SHERIFF’S COMMENTS – BOS AGENDA ITEM 16

SHERIFF’S COMMENTS – BOS Agenda Item 16 on 11/10/2020

Sheriff Alex Villanueva briefly discusses several accomplishements, to correct misinformation that is being shared related to the Board of Supervisors Meeting- Agenda 16.

  • Elimination of ICE in the LASD jails, courthouses, and patrol stations
  • Body Worn Cameras
  • Enactment of a Department anti-click policy
  • AB 2655
  • Record hiring of 1,100 local deputies in one year
  • Diverse Leadership in the Department
  • The depopulation of over 5,000 inmates before COVID-19, to save lives
  • LASD Protecting thousands of peaceful protesters
  • Overtime budget cut by 50%
  • Homeless Outreach Services Team success

Everything we have been doing is about fulfilling the promises of why I took this job and everything is above the board and subject to inspection if anyone in the COC or OIG wants to do their job by all means do it, and all we ask for is for a fair and objective process we don’t want politics to intrude in it. We have a future court date regarding the subpoena issue in my personal office and that has not been resolved yet and once it has been resolved we can talk about that.

In closing, I want to say that I have an open-door policy, and I want to meet with each and every one of you personally. I extend good wishes to Mark Ridley-Thomas at his new job as a City Councilman and I want to encourage everyone to remember what President-Elect Biden said, “Let’s stop demonizing people, let’s start working together, and let’s find solutions together.”

Thank You

Sheriff Alex Villanueva provides facts & info regarding the LA County Board of Supervisors Agenda 16

Sheriff Alex Villanueva provides facts and information regarding the LA County Board of Supervisors Agenda 16 from November 10, 2020. To read the full transcript, please visit https://sheriff33.lasd.org/sheriffs-comments-bos-agenda-item-16/

Posted by Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department on Tuesday, November 10, 2020

If you have concerns regarding the above, share your voice.  You may contact your Board of Supervisors at the below:
 County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors

Hilda L. Solis
Supervisor, First District
Phone: (213) 974-4111
[email protected]

Mark Ridley-Thomas
Supervisor, Second District
Phone: (213) 974-2222
[email protected]

Sheila Kuehl
Supervisor, Third District
Phone: (213) 974-3333
[email protected]

Janice Hahn
Supervisor, Fourth District
Phone: (213) 974-4444
[email protected]

Kathryn Barger – CHAIR
Supervisor, Fifth District
Phone: (213) 974-5555
[email protected]

Not sure who your Supervisor is?  Click Link to Find Out: http://bos.lacounty.gov/About-Us/Board-of-Supervisors

money reward offered in shooting death of teen boys, athens village 1006 1024 SIB Staff

money reward offered in shooting death of teen boys, athens village

Homicide Bureau detectives announced a $10,000 reward during a press conference on Tuesday, November 10, 2020, in Monterey Park.  The reward was sponsored by Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Second District, approved by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, and offered in exchange for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the shooting death of both victims.

A call for service was dispatched late Thursday evening, October 15, 2020, and advised of a vehicle collision in the 100 block of East 124th Street, in an unincorporated community of Athens Village.  The call entailed a vehicle which drove up a curb and crashed into another car, but as deputies from Century Sheriff’s Station responded, the information in the call was upgraded to a shooting incident.

Lieutenant Brandon Dean said detectives determined 17-year-old Jamele Hill was the driver of the vehicle that night; he rode with 16-year-old Millyon Colquitt in the front seat and three friends in the back seat.  Gunshots were fired in their direction in the 12200 block of Maple Avenue, which struck Jamele, Millyon and the vehicle.  Although both boys suffered wounds to the upper torso, Jamele accelerated southbound on Maple Avenue, in an attempt to escape, and collided into a vehicle parked in the driveway of a house on East 124th Street, where his vehicle came to rest.  The three boys in the back ran for their lives but returned to speak with deputies, once the scene was secure.

Jamele and Millyon were both pronounced dead at the scene, while none of the three backseat passengers were injured.

The young victims were high school students and talented sportsmen; Jamele was a varsity football player being scouted by colleges, and Millyon was a varsity basketball player.  The Colquitt family suffered a big loss not long before the shooting, when Millyon’s mother was killed in a vehicle collision, leaving him to be raised by his grandmother.

There is no suspect information.  Detectives and family members of both victims pleaded with the public to come forth with any information to help solve the case.

If you have information about this incident, please contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500.  If you prefer to provide information anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile App on Google Play or the Apple App Store, or use the website http://lacrimestoppers.org/.

To view press conference highlights, visit us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LosAngelesCountySheriffsDepartment/posts/4107999575893591

STATEMENT REGARDING MEASURE J 680 380 SIB Staff

STATEMENT REGARDING MEASURE J

STATEMENT REGARDING MEASURE J

November 4, 2020

Our Department has successfully persevered for over 170 years.  Throughout our rich history we have faced many challenges and emerged together stronger, because that is what we do. 

Measure J is our latest challenge and it will be implemented over the next three years, beginning on July 1, 2021.  We don’t yet fully understand the depth of real world consequences to the Department, but we do know it will mean additional reductions to our budget.  Over the next few weeks, our budget team will find out what the impact will actually be. 

I am committed to working together with the Board of Supervisors, CEO, and employee unions in order to find budgetary solutions to the many complex issues we now face. 

As an organization we will continue to remain focused on serving the community in our basic public safety mission of protecting life, protecting property, and maintaining order. 

We have faced far worse challenges and this too shall pass.  We will succeed in navigating this newest challenge together as a family, because that is what we do. 

Sheriff Alex Villanueva

PARKING ENFORCEMENT RESUMES ON NOVEMBER 15, 2020 600 367 SIB Staff

PARKING ENFORCEMENT RESUMES ON NOVEMBER 15, 2020

UPDATE: For updated information on parking see the latest information. Click here to read the update 12/9/20.

The stay-at-home order issued in early 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic brought to light the need
for additional parking and a new way to address parking enforcement across Los Angeles County. Understanding
the needs and challenges of those in the communities we serve, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
Parking Enforcement Detail relaxed parking enforcement to help cope with parking availability and
administrative concerns.


In the face of new challenges to prepare for inclement winter weather, parking enforcement will resume issuing
citations for all parking violations within the public right of way. Beginning Sunday, November 15, 2020, the Los
Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Parking Enforcement Detail will again issue street sweeping and expired
registration citations, as well as, towing vehicles in the areas we serve across Los Angeles County. To avoid
receiving a parking citation or having a vehicle towed, we urge drivers to be mindful of this change.
Resumed enforcement will include:

  • Street sweeping: All streets with posted signs for street sweeping will be enforced, per 15.20.070(2) LACVC
  • Expired registration: Vehicles with expired registration will be cited for 4000(a)(1)CVC; registrations
    expired in excess of six months, in violation of 4000(a)(1) CVC, will be towed, per 22651 (o)(1)(A) CVC
  • Red tag warnings: Red tag warnings will be issued to vehicles parked on the street not displaying signs of
    movement, including excessive dirt, debris underneath and around the tires, flat tires, missing parts, and
    vandalism. If the vehicle has not been moved after 72 hours or three days, a citation for Abandonment
    Prohibited – 22523(a)(b) CVC will be issued and an additional 48 hours or two days will be given. If the
    vehicle still has not been moved, it will be towed, per 22651(k) CVC.
LASD and LAPD Partner to combat hunger 1024 683 SIB Staff

LASD and LAPD Partner to combat hunger

LASD and LAPD Partner to combat hunger

October 30, 2020, at about 11:30 am, Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva, accompanied by Department members,  LAPD Officers, and LAPD Deputy Chief Jorge Rodriguez held a food drive for community members.
Held at the Greg Smith LAPD Devonshire PALS Youth Center, community members arrived from across the Valley, lining their vehicles to receive donated care baskets and other non-perishable food items. As community members’ vehicles formed an extensive line across lanes of Parthenia Street just east of Wilbur Avenue, deputies and officers were joined by the Devonshire Police Activities League Supporters, Los Angeles City Councilmember John Lee, Members of the LASD Community Advisory Council, and MEND (Meet Each Need with Dignity).  

Hundreds of families expressed their thanks to Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputies and Los Angeles Police Officers as they placed boxes and bags of non-perishable foods into their vehicles. Los Angeles Police Deputy Chief Jorge Rodriguez and Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva also took an active role in handing out food to families. The vehicle traffic went on for a few hours, as more and more community members formed lines and patiently awaited their turn.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department understands the hardship and challenges individuals and families face during these uncertain times. We believe it is our duty to protect our community from crime and lend a helping hand. Economic hardships and life hurdles have affected everyone during this covid-19 outbreak. We hope that this partnership between Los Angeles law enforcement, the city, and our non-profit organizations brings more help to the community in need. It is this dedication to our community that defines the character of our service.
LAPD Officers and LASD Deputies have profound care for the community, and our efforts to curve hunger are a reflection of that sentiment. We hope that this engagement resonates with the community and builds a solid bridge of trust and understanding.

The Sheriff’s Department is thankful to the Temple Ramat Zion, One Generation, the Greater Los Angeles Food Bank, and Goya Foods of California for their generous contributions. A Special Thanks to Jack Kayajian, who dedicated hundreds of volunteered hours and his ability to navigate through the most challenging times, made this event a success.

Proceeds from patch sales helps shelter and homeless veterans 404 304 SIB Staff

Proceeds from patch sales helps shelter and homeless veterans

Sheriff Villanueva Presents Second Check to Salvation Army – Bell Shelter Veterans

On Tuesday, October 27, 2020, Sheriff Alex Villanueva visited the Salvation Army Bell Shelter, located in the city of Bell. This particular location caters to veterans experiencing homelessness, and provides them with shelter and assistance. Some of the services provided include help with substance abuse, vocational education and job assistance.

During the visit, Sheriff Villanueva participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a recreational area dedicated to him for a previous generous donation. In November, 2019, Sheriff Villanueva visited the Bell Shelter for the first time, and presented shelter representatives with a donation of $17,500.  Proceeds for the donation were generated from sales of the LASD Veteran’s Patch, which has a camouflage background design.

With the 2019 donation, the Bell Shelter was able to enhance and upgrade their recreation room with spacious seating adhering to COVID-19 protocols, a tent for small outdoor group sessions, a projector, and large movie screen for easy viewing from a far distance.

Overwhelming sales of the LASD Veteran’s Patch allowed Sheriff Villanueva to present a second check for $17,500 to the Bell Shelter during his 2020 visit, in support of one of the longest-running homeless shelters in the entire nation.

If you are an adult experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless, please call (800) 548-6047 or click on the link https://www.lahsa.org/documents?id=2196-lahsa-shelter-list.pdf  
 
Interested in LASD patches? The LASD Veteran’s Patch is available for sale at http://lasdvetpatch.com.   Thank you for helping us make a difference in the lives of our homeless veterans!

Sheriff Comments BOS Motion 57H 680 380 SIB Staff

Sheriff Comments BOS Motion 57H

SHERIFF’S COMMENTS – BOS Motion 57-H

10/27/2020

Good Morning and thank you for allowing me this opportunity to share my voice with you and the community.

Regarding this motion, I can agree with two things; accountability and transparency are of the utmost importance. The facts show, I have been more transparent, more accountable, and have offered greater access to the members of our communities than any prior LA County Sheriff.

As you recall, SB 1421 now requires police agencies across the state to release documents that were once considered confidential. As a result, these requests have skyrocketed and the previous administration did not leave any infrastructure in place to meet the avalanche of requests. We requested funding for required compliance staffing and software on six separate occasions from the previous CEO, but were denied each time. Providing this funding will greatly increase the speed and efficiency of these requests.

Transparency and accountability do not come cheap, they are expensive. This is why I have fought so hard regarding budgetary issues. My vision for changing the organizational culture is much more difficult when we are forced to eliminate non-essential positions due to a lack of funding.

The vast majority of problems which have been raised regarding transparency and accountability can be easily solved with a new Memorandum of Agreement between the Sheriff’s Department and the Office of the Inspector General. I whole-heartedly commit to work with you in good faith to achieve this goal.

I request the Board direct the Inspector General to report back on all of the deputy involved shootings that he has participated in since 2014, at the inception of his office. His office has been in each walk-through with the homicide investigators. They’ve attended each Critical Incident Review. Every single Executive Force Review Committee. And, have received the entire deputy involved shooting packet that is provided to the Justice System Integrity Division of the District Attorney’s office. But we have never ever heard back from the Inspector General on a single one of these incidents. Which is important for us, because in case we’re doing something wrong, we need a different perspective, how we can improve, either our service to the community or the quality of our investigations, and to date, we have never received that. All that being said, we are a County family and when there is collaboration we can do great things. Case in point… Body Worn Cameras!

Before the Board votes on this motion, I urge each supervisor to meet with me privately. Let’s set aside the past and work out our differences. This is what good leaders do in trying times like these, because elected office is not about our own likes and dislikes, it is about the people we were elected to serve. I look forward to finding common ground we can all stand together on in the interest of public safety and fiscal responsibility.

Thank you for your time.

#LASD Hits A Criminal Mega Jackpot 1024 347 SIB Staff

#LASD Hits A Criminal Mega Jackpot

Operation “Gambling Suppression” Nets over 30 arrests, tens of thousands of dollars in U.S. currency, firearms, and over 200 illegal gambling machines in the City of #Lancaster.

Yesterday, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Lancaster Sheriff’s Station’s LAN-CAP Team (Lancaster Community Appreciation Project) completed a very successful operation. Several North Patrol Stations and investigators from the Major Crimes Bureau executed seven search warrants throughout the City of Lancaster.

The operation netted over thirty adult arrests and tens of thousands of dollars in U.S. currency were confiscated from the illegal establishments. Additionally, several illegal firearms were taken off the streets, and over 200 illegal gambling machines were seized from the location.

Illegal gambling is not a victimless crime; it is an organized crime that may increase the chance of more criminal traffic to a certain area or city to network with others and commit more crime.

If you believe there is an active illegal gambling house or establishment operating in your area, please call your local sheriff’s station.