Los Angeles Superhero 5K Run and Walk Health & Safety Expohttps://sheriff33.lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Post_Superhero_runwalk-1024x742.png1024742SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/179d7335802e3daded4330485a5562ec1de93760eb3e7e694ec84645300a95c0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
Los Angeles Superhero 5K Run and Walk Health & Safety Expo
On April 2, Sheriff Villanueva and countless joined Crime Survivors in the Los Angeles Superhero 5K Run and Walk Health & Safety Expo. Congratulations to Patricia Wenskunas, Crime Survivors, Sheriff’s Special Victims Bureau, and all the organizers on a successful event. Together we can keep helping raise awareness, prevention, advocacy, and healing throughout Los Angeles County.
We are better and stronger together! Survive & Thrive!!!
Thank you to all the Sheriff’s Department personnel and the Sheriff’s Community Advisory Council who participated in this great event.
Public Service Recognition Weekhttps://sheriff33.lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/021-022-071-1-1024x819.jpg1024819SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/179d7335802e3daded4330485a5562ec1de93760eb3e7e694ec84645300a95c0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
Sheriff Alex Villanueva and other Department Members Highlight Public Service Recognition Week
On Wednesday, May 4th, 2022, Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva held a press conference to thank the members of the Sheriff’s Department for the remarkable work they do for the community. He also highlighted various accomplishments from 10 different Sheriff Stations and Bureaus of the department.
Every year since 1985, during the first week of May, time is set aside to celebrate Public Service Recognition Week. It is a time when the men and women of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department are recognized for their resilience and dedication as public servants.
Lieutenant Annadenise Briz from the Mental Health Evaluation Team (MET) gave a brief summary of the team of highly trained deputy Sheriffs that respond to calls that involve mental health crisis. The team was formed in 1993 with five teams and they’re now t 34 teams countywide. The team not only provides services to the public, but they also train other first responders at a local and national level. Britz also reminded the public about the Special Alert, a form that family members or caregivers can fill out alerting the Sheriff’s Department about a family member or loved one with special needs. By filling out the form, deputies will know how to better serve individuals when they experience a mental crisis.
Lieutenant Geoffrey Deedrick from the Homeless Outreach Services Team (HOST) gave a brief summary of HOST. Since its inception, the team has had interaction with at least 70,000 people experiencing homelessness and to this date, has never used force or made an arrest during the interactions. The team not only brings safety and security to a homeless encampment, but in the end, the community is given back a clean and safe area.
Sergeant Henry Ramirez from the Organized Crime Task Force discussed an investigation that started on April 7 in the Los Angeles County jails. A total of three inmates died from a fentanyl overdose, five other inmates overdosed but survived, five inmates were part of taking or selling the narcotics, and one primary suspect was identified.
Lieutenant Anthony Easter from the Narcotics Bureau talked about 19 search warrants that took place on April 19 and 20, 2022, in the unincorporated area of East Los Angeles. The search warrants were done in marijuana dispensaries operating illegally. A total of 72 individuals were arrested, 1,200 lbs. of cannabis edibles were recovered, 761 lbs. of marijuana, a large amount of methamphetamine, U.S. currency, and firearms were recovered including an assault rifle and ghost guns. Easter thanked his team for its commitment to the job and he also thanked Sheriff Villanueva for his support.
Deputy Adnan Ahmed from the Carson Station shared a touching story about a call for service involving an elderly resident. During the encounter, Deputy Ahmed found out the person was blind, had no food in her fridge and had no means of transportation. He talked to neighbors and they confirmed the lady lived alone. Carson station contacted the local Walmart and they donated groceries that were delivered in person. The lady asked the deputies: “Who is going to pay for this?” Deputies told her it was free and she was extremely thankful for their actions.
Deputy Moises Montes from the East Los Angeles Station shared another heart-warming story about an incident that happened in early April. While patrolling in the city of Cudahy, he observed a homeless individual sleeping on the sidewalk. The individual stated that he had been evicted two weeks before and had been sleeping on the streets. Deputy Montes made several phone calls and was able to get him housing at the Salvation Army Shelter in the City of Bell. The individual is very happy, but he wants to go back to South Korea and enjoy the rest of his life there.
Captain James Powers from the Lomita Station shared an incident of effective communication and working relations with other law enforcement agencies that led to the arrest of individuals driving a stolen vehicle. The suspects had previously been involved in an assault with a deadly weapon shooting in the LAPD’s jurisdiction.
On April 27, Deputy Olmos from the Palmdale Station stopped a vehicle because the license plate belonged to another vehicle. During the investigation, three stolen catalytic converters were discovered, battery-powered “Sawzall’s”, multiple blades, a floor jack, and other tools used to cut catalytic converters from vehicles. The occupants of the vehicle were arrested on various felony charges and their vehicle was impounded.
Deputy Arthur Valenzuela from the Temple Station and other deputies from the Youth Activity League participated in cleanup activity at Pamela Park in the city of Duarte to celebrate Earth Day. The goal of these activities is to provide the role models and mentoring for young adults, changing lives in many cases and improving public safety at the same time.
Assistant Director Mike Leum from the Reserve Forces Detail, spoke about the program he oversees and praised the civilian volunteers and reserves that selflessly donate their time in the department. There are currently 484 reserve deputies, and their work equates to an approximate savings of $7 million dollars to the Los Angeles County. The 2,500 civilian volunteers volunteered 121,000 hours at a value of $3.4 million dollars to the county. Last year, the Search and Rescue Team conducted 715 missions. Leum also shared his own recent experience in Ukraine where he helped rescue special needs orphans and brought them to their new families in the United States. The mission was done as a private citizen, but he acknowledged that his will and skills are the result of more than 30 years of doing search and rescue in the department.
Lastly, Sheriff Villanueva shared his experience at the California Peace Officers Enrollment Ceremony where he provided support for the family of Deputy Thomas Albanese. Deputy Albanese was killed in 2021 during a collision in a Lakewood intersection while attempting to make a traffic stop. The two-day event started with a candlelight vigil where new additions to the memorial were unveiled, honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Sheriff Villanueva thanked again all of the members of the department who perform acts of great bravery and heroism, above and beyond the call of duty, to help and serve others while placing their own lives at risk.
Homicide Detectives ask for the Publics Help in the Murder of Reginald Thompson Sr.https://sheriff33.lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Pic-4-791x1024.jpg7911024SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/179d7335802e3daded4330485a5562ec1de93760eb3e7e694ec84645300a95c0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
Homicide Detectives and Family Members will ask for the Public’s Help for Information in the Murder of Reginald Thompson Sr.
On Tuesday, May 3, 2022, Homicide Bureau Detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) held a press conference to announce a $20,000 reward in exchange for information that will lead to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the murder of Reginald Thompson Sr. The reward is sponsored by Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Second District.
On Tuesday, January 11, 2022, a little before 9:00 p.m., 34-year-old Reginald Thompson, Sr. was talking to friends in the parking lot of a shopping center, located in the 11400 block of South Vermont Ave., in the southwest corner of Imperial Highway and Vermont Avenue, in the unincorporated area of Los Angeles. As they were talking, four suspects parked their vehicle on Vermont Avenue just south of the shopping center. The suspects exited a dark-colored sedan, approached and fired several times at Thompson and his friends. Thompson was struck by gunfire and later succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital. The suspects fled the location in the vehicle and headed south on Vermont Ave.
“My son was a father, he was a brother, he was a friend. He was fun, he was loving, and he did not deserve to be tragically struck. This could be anybody standing here, and I don’t want to see other mothers suffer the pain and sorrow that I’ve had to endure from my family. We are devastated and if you saw something, please say something,” said Reginald’s mom, Caren Stephens.
On April 19, 2022, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a reward in the amount of $20,000 in exchange for information leading to the apprehension and/or conviction of those responsible for the death of Reginald.
“I wish to share my heartfelt condolences with the family of Reginald Thompson, Sr. for their tragic loss,” said Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Holly J. Mitchell, author of the motion that established this reward. “I encourage anyone who may have information that could help with this investigation to please come forward so that justice can be achieved for Reginald and his family.”
“My kid’s father was a very loving man. He was a great D.J., an amazing writer, he had a beautiful voice that was out of this world. I pictured my life, my whole future raising my kids with him in it. I never imagined that I would have to lose him so soon,” said a tearful Daysharee Vallier.
LASD Homicide detectives believe there are witnesses who may have seen the suspects leave the area and/or know their identities. If you have information about Reginald’s murder, please contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500, or 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/.
Sheriff awards two Pastors for community Supporthttps://sheriff33.lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/POST_Pastor_IMG_1123-1024x794.jpg1024794SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/179d7335802e3daded4330485a5562ec1de93760eb3e7e694ec84645300a95c0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
This morning, Sheriff Alex Villanueva recognized Pastor Marvin Rodriguez from “City of Refuge” and Pastor Eric Tietze from “Heart of Compassion Ministry” for their dedication to assist the community and improve their quality of life.
Pastor Rodriguez recruits at-risk children within the city of Pico Rivera and outlying areas into his boxing organization, “Marvin Nation” where he provides them with free lessons, life skills, and a strict moral compass. In 2020, he joined the CAC and had since donated 25,000 boxes of food since the onset of the pandemic.
Pastor Tietze tirelessly serves the Los Angeles County community and his ministry. Over the past three years, Pastor Eric has donated over 40 million pounds of food to community members in need.
Pastors Rodriguez and Tietze were awarded for their humanitarian efforts in feeding thousands of families in need throughout Los Angeles County.
Recent Lawsuit by a Disgruntled Employeehttps://sheriff33.lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/048-20220426--1024x512.jpg1024512SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/179d7335802e3daded4330485a5562ec1de93760eb3e7e694ec84645300a95c0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
On Tuesday, April 26, 2022, Sheriff Alex Villanueva held a press conference to discuss a recent lawsuit by a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) employee. The Sheriff began with a timeline of events of the investigation related to them that can be viewed below the video under press conference material.
Sheriff Villanueva reiterated that there was no “cover-up” or a “whistle-blower,” everything was documented from the beginning, and the investigation continued.
The video of the UOF surrounding the lawsuit was part of an active criminal case when it was shared with the media. Sharing the video was not a leak; it was considered an obstruction of justice since it was part of an investigation. Pictures of three individuals involved in the video distribution were shown: retired LASD Commander Eliezer Vera, Inspector General Max Huntsman, and LA Times reporter Alene Tchekmedyian.
Sheriff Villanueva concluded by stating that the foundation of the lawsuit in question was false. He shared he and his team are excited to testify on the matter under oath in front of a grand jury in a federal court. He named three command staff members and said he does not use “unnamed” or “multiple sources.”
“We have serious issues to handle out there. We have violent crime, we have homelessness out of control, defunding, and on top of that, I have this circus. This entirely orchestrated for political purposes only,” said Sheriff Villanueva.
When asked by a reporter if the department was investigating Alene from the LA Times, Sheriff Villanueva said the matter was under investigation. He said stolen property was removed illegally from people who had some intent and would be subject to investigation.
Sheriff Villanueva Discusses Proposed 2022-23 County budgethttps://sheriff33.lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/i-jKXGvL7-X3-1024x683.jpg1024683SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/179d7335802e3daded4330485a5562ec1de93760eb3e7e694ec84645300a95c0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
Sheriff Villanueva Discusses Proposed 2022-23 County budget
On Wednesday, April 20, 2022, Sheriff Alex Villanueva held a press conference to discuss the implications the proposed 2022 – 23 fiscal year county budget will have on the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD).
During a Board of Supervisors’ (BOS) meeting on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, the BOS unveiled a proposed $38.5 billion LA County budget. A total of four new Los Angeles County Departments were created. $100 million in funds were re-allocated from the Sheriff’s Department to Measure J, and the commitment to close Men’s Central Jail without an alternative plan continues. The budget recommendation includes funding for a total of 513 new positions. However, the LASD hiring freeze will continue, and academy classes are restricted to an unsustainable level.
The Sheriff emphasized that the minimum number of academy classes to keep up with attrition is eight. Yet, the Sheriff’s Department has only had three academy classes per year for the last two years. During 2020 – 2021, 586 sworn and 695 professional staff positions were eliminated from LASD. The total dollar value of those positions was $139,439,000. Sadly, the 1281 positions have not been returned, and neither has the money. The workload, however, has remained the same for all members of the department. During the past ten years, the LASD budget as a percent of the total County budget was 11.7%. The current budget is at a low of 8.9%.
Sheriff Villanueva also mentioned a motion introduced by Supervisors Mitchell and Solis, attempting to oversee LASD’s participation within the Joint Regional Intelligence Center (JRIC), a federal agency. An excerpt of the motion reads: “…as well as reports of potential abuse by the Sheriff of his investigative powers, including investigations and intimidation of the Sheriff’s political enemies.”
Sheriff Villanueva added that the Attorney General is responsible for holding Sheriffs and District Attorneys throughout California accountable. The Sheriff noted JRIC conducts intelligence and analysis; they’re not a primary investigative body. As a result of their intelligence gathering, they hand over potential crimes to the appropriate agency to investigate them. Everyone there has a ‘need to know and a right to know.’
The Sheriff further stated, “Having a political entity (Board of Supervisors) interject themselves in this operation, they’re only doing it for one purpose. They want to see what they’re possibly criminally involved in and what the investigative entities and the intelligence community view of them. So basically, they’re trying to insert the fox into the hen house”. Sheriff Villanueva concluded the press conference by asking the community to get involved and contact the Board of Supervisors. Tell them to make public safety a priority.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Narcotics Bureau Serves Multi-Location Search Warrant in Operation 4-20
Detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Narcotics Bureau, executed search warrants in furtherance of an investigation based on information from citizen informants regarding a multi-location illegal cannabis dispensary.
During the last few days, detectives served search warrants at nineteen different locations within the Unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County (East Los Angeles, Florence-Firestone and Walnut Park). Approximately ninety people were arrested and a dozen firearms, including an assault rifle and a ghost gun were recovered.
According to Narcotics Bureau Acting Captain Lieutenant Anthony Eastern, detectives recovered 1,000 pounds of cannabis concentrate, 800 pounds of cannabis flower, a large amount of methamphetamine and thousands of dollars in U.S currency.
These operations have been conducted since October 2021 to eradicate illegal marijuana dispensaries operating within the aforementioned areas. Since October 2021, over 122 search warrants have been executed, over 277 arrests made and approximately 4,000 pounds of marijuana, 3,300 pounds of marihuana edibles, 29 pounds of mushrooms and 1,000 pounds of fentanyl have been seized.
These operations are a testament to the hard work of the men and women of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and Sheriff Alex Villanueva’s commitment to keeping communities safe by eradicating illegal marijuana dispensaries.
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.
LASD Undersheriff Robert Allen Edmondshttps://sheriff33.lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Sheriff_Statment_Header_2021-1024x249.jpg1024249SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/179d7335802e3daded4330485a5562ec1de93760eb3e7e694ec84645300a95c0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
Today, we were deeply saddened to hear former LASD Undersheriff Robert Allen Edmonds passed away. He was “recruited” to the Department by a Lennox Station Detective when Edmonds, an Assistant Manager for Safeway at the time, went to report bad checks received.
He became a Deputy after graduating from class #87 in 1961. Throughout his career, Robert steadily rose up through the ranks as a Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Commander, Assistant Sheriff and ultimately, Undersheriff in 1987. Robert Allen Edmonds worked during the Watts Riots, the Cerritos air crash, the 1984 Olympics, and several other large scale incidents. He was known for bolstering the Sheriff’s Department explorer program, operations planning for large scale disasters and events, as well as overseeing the department’s transition from paper logs to the first digitized computer system.
After 32 years in the Sheriff’s Department, Undersheriff Robert Allen Edmonds retired in 1994. He was a true leader who inspired and motivated others to strive for the best when serving the community. The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department has suffered a great loss and he will be greatly missed.
Sheriff MTA announcementhttps://sheriff33.lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/POST_MTA_press-confrence-1024x683.jpg1024683SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/179d7335802e3daded4330485a5562ec1de93760eb3e7e694ec84645300a95c0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
Sheriff Alex Villanueva Makes a Major Announcement Regarding LASD’s MTA Contract Bid
Sheriff Alex Villanueva held a press conference to make a significant announcement regarding the Los Angeles Sheriff Department and the MTA. The Sheriff expressed his concern regarding public safety on the Metro Transit System in Los Angeles.
Sheriff Villanueva provided statistical information regarding the increase in crime dating back to September 2020 and highlighted examples of violent assaults that occurred on the railways: two LASD deputies ambushed at the Metro Compton Station in September of 2020; A Metro train operator was shot at the Metro Indiana Gold Line Station while operating the train In January 2021; 4 passengers inside the train were shot by known gang members at the Wilmington Station in September 2021. Lastly, in November 2021, a passenger was fatally shot in the head. The suspect also attempted to kill responding Deputies at the Wilmington station.
Sheriff Villanueva expressed how the MTA has turned into an unsafe environment, as several critical incidents have occurred this past year alone. In March 2020, a patron was pushed on the tracks at 7th and Metro Station by a homeless person. That patron suffered severe head trauma. February 2022, a homeless man was cut in half after sleeping on the tracks. January 2022, Sandra Shells was attacked and killed at a bus stop near Union Station. Sheriff Alex Villanueva expressed that the various law enforcement agencies covering the railways and bus routes does not provide adequate coverage due to jurisdictional issues and the stifling of enforcement placed upon peace officers by Metro Board regulations.
Sheriff Villanueva discussed the Metro Board’s policy on private security and the inability to enforce quality of life issues on the metro system. The Sheriff stated, “cops cannot remove an unruly passenger from the trains. This has caused MTA patrons to fear for their safety while onboard the system, and at times, the paying patrons are asked to exit the train. The MTA board only allows the homeless, unruly, drunk, and criminal people on board the trains and buses.”
LASD has provided law enforcement services for Metro since 1997. The LASD has always had full-time personnel strictly assigned and trained for public transit policing. Currently, LASD deploys 300 deputies assigned to Transit Services Bureau.
The Metro Board defunded LASD and, in 2017, decided to move to a multi-agency contract with LAPD and Long Beach Police Department. LASD was reduced to the lowest possible staffing levels, which endangered public and rider safety. Metro Board has expressed its desire to shift from armed law enforcement response to nonviolent crimes and code of conduct violations.
Sheriff Villanueva added the Department intends to bid for the complete Metro Board contract to provide comprehensive law enforcement and public safety services to the entire Bus and railway system. If the bid is denied, LASD personnel will be deployed elsewhere in the county to fulfill staffing vacancies. Sheriff Villanueva further stated, “Effective July 1, 2022, LASD will redeploy our personnel to other critical public safety needs, absent a commitment by the Metro Board upon expiration of the contract.”
LASD Active Shooter Training at Pierce Collegehttps://sheriff33.lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/POST_active-shooter-training-at-pierce-college-1024x543.jpg1024543SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/179d7335802e3daded4330485a5562ec1de93760eb3e7e694ec84645300a95c0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
Sheriff’s Department’s Community College Bureau Coordinates Active Shooter Exercise at Pierce College
The fundamental duty of all sworn personnel is to protect life and property. As part of a commitment to the safety and wellbeing of students and staff it is essential to provide ongoing training to ensure deputies, security officers, and responding outside agencies are proficient in handling tactical incidents, with officer and public safety as the primary goal.
On Thursday, April 7, 2022, personnel from Community College Bureau, Special Enforcement Bureau, Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station, Emergency Operations Bureau, the countywide Services K9 team, Mental Evaluation Team, Aero Bureau and the Los Angeles City Fire Department gathered to conduct an active shooter drill at Pierce College in Winnetka California. With the opportunity to train together and practice their skills and tactics. First responders practiced planning for and handling situations involving “active shooters” and/or mass violence at locations with multiple victims.
Community College Bureau provides contract law enforcement services to nine community colleges on campuses across Los Angeles County and the drill, which was held during spring break, was the largest multi-agency exercise conducted yet by the Community College Bureau after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. They incorporated simulated gunfire with firearms and improvised explosive devices to create a real-life feel. Role players acted as patients in the scenarios; law enforcement worked together to locate the agitators, secure the campus, locate victims, and assist those in need of medical assistance; and fire rescue personnel assisted in coordinating patient care.
Captain John Gannon, who oversees the Community College Bureau, attended the training exercise and said, “The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department prioritizes the safety of students and staff at all Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) campuses.” “Emergency preparedness and campus safety requires an ongoing training preparing our personnel for emergencies. The ability of a department our size to provide specialized resources and rapid deployment teams further supports the College Bureau’s commitment to keep students and faculty safe.”
The day’s event was a meaningful, insightful and impactful training exercise for first responders, faculty and students, alike. One added benefit is the mental review and rehearsal of events by the students and faculty who, as civilians, would not normally receive this type of training. Their new understanding and preparedness will likely be shared with others, guide them in the event of an active shooter and help keep them calm. First responders from three different agencies learned to work together even more fluidly during a stressful situation to uphold the same priority: Keep everyone safe.
