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2022

Sheriff addresses Several Areas of Public Interest 1024 512 SIB Staff

Sheriff addresses Several Areas of Public Interest

Sheriff Alex Villanueva Addresses Several Areas of Current Public Interest

On Tuesday, November 15, 2022, Sheriff Alex Villanueva held a press conference to address several areas of current public interest.

In his opening statement, Sheriff Villanueva talked about CSULA conducting an independent analysis. The study includes examining the organizational structure, policies, and procedures that govern LASD’s response to deputy misconduct between January 1, 2012, and July 31, 2022. The outcome of this analysis resulted in 48 complaints per month; on average timeline from allegation to disposition was 144 days. “Misconduct is an individual behavior and occurs independent of tattoo status. Rather cases involving the presence of a tattoo and allegations of misconduct are coincidental,” according to the people who conducted the analysis.

He also discussed the lawsuits brought by Austreberto Gonzalez, the Estate of Paul Rea, and Robin Limon, which have fallen apart due to false narratives and lack of evidence. The lawsuits filed were all driven by a failed sheriff’s candidate recruiting department members to sue and became a very elaborate campaign strategy.

The sheriff displayed the letter to the Board of Supervisors regarding Office of Inspector General, Max Huntsman to correct the record based on what he said and what he did. However, the BOS refused to acknowledge any wrongdoing by Huntsman. He explains that the Board of Supervisors portrayed the sheriff through narrative as being insubordinate against the BOS and created an elaborate system to give a negative impression to the public about the sheriff himself even though all the information was provided to them based on what they were legally entitled. Yet when it came time for Max Huntsman to testify, his testimony was secretive. Huntsman’s testimony took place behind closed doors, where he recanted everything said in public, including the identification of gang members.

He continued to show how the District Attorney was holding off releasing the results of high-profile cases of Anthony Weber, Andres Guardado, Enzo Escalante, and Dijon Kizzee, of which three were found to be justifiable, and one declined to file charges. Yet, the results were not released because of political purposes.

During his four years in office, he faced complex challenges, from the Bobcat Fire to a worldwide pandemic, from protests and riots to the homeless crisis, to name a few of the constant challenges (See material used during the press conference). Yet with the challenges the sheriff faced, many accomplishments were achieved: ICE was removed from jails, SCAAP Grant Funding rejected, and CCW’s attainable (See material used during the press conference).

Sheriff Villanueva wished the incoming sheriff Robert Luna well on his new endeavor. The safety of the community depends on him as well as the welfare of every member of the department.

Sheriff Villanueva thanks every department member for their hard work and dedication. “They are true heroes.” He continues to thank the media for doing what they can, having patience when reporting the information, and being the voice of democracy that will survive.

“The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is a voluntary Association. People are not forced to be deputy sheriffs; you have to want to be a deputy sheriff. People have faith in the leadership and the work ethic of this organization.”-Sheriff Villanueva.

Press Conference video

Press Conference Material

Press Conference Slides – PDF

Trends in Deputy Misconduct Study – PDF

Sheriff Villanueva Discusses Results of High-Profile Cases Suppressed by the DA 1024 679 SIB Staff

Sheriff Villanueva Discusses Results of High-Profile Cases Suppressed by the DA

On Thursday, November 3, 2022, Sheriff Alex Villanueva held a press conference to discuss the results of four high-profile cases that were suppressed by the Office of the District Attorney (DA). The cases are: Anthony Weber, Andres Guardado, Dijon Kizzee, and Enzo Escalante.  

Sheriff Villanueva said whistleblowers from the District’s Attorney’s Office provided Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department (LASD) with “disturbing and disappointing information.” Cases assigned to the District Attorney Justice System Integrity Division (JSID) were intentionally withheld from the public’s release to avoid criticism from supporters during the recall effort of District Attorney George Gascon as well as to affect the outcome of the Sheriff’s election. 

The shooting of Anthony Webber happened on February 4, 2018, during the time of Villanueva’s predecessor. The case was submitted to the JSID by the LASD Homicide Bureau on September 25, 2018. On February 17, 2022, the case was signed off as justifiable by Deputy District Attorney Joseph Iniguez. 

The shooting of Andres Guardado occurred on June 18, 2020, and the case was submitted to the JSID by the LASD Homicide Bureau on December 19, 2020. Director Diana Teran signed off the Deputy Involved Shooting case on January 12, 2022, as justifiable.   

Dijon Kizzee’s shooting occurred on August 31, 2020. The case was submitted to JSID by the LASD Homicide Bureau on June 22, 2021, and District Attorney George Gascon signed it off on May 25, 2022, as justifiable.   

Lastly, a use of force incident that occurred in the San Fernando Court lockup on March 10, 2021, was submitted to the JSID by the Internal Criminal Investigations Bureau on April 14, 2022. This case was signed off by George Gascon last month, on October 3, 2022, and he declined to file charges.  

The Sheriff mentioned these types of cases presented which are presented to the DA are devastating for both parties. Many times, there is a tragic loss of human life. Families need closure; deputies do not know if they will be charged, and lives are disrupted on both sides. Administrative investigations must wait until results from the DA’s office are disclosed. The Community is also forming and making decisions based on the information, or lack of information, that the DA had in these cases and chose not to release for months.     

“When we do our investigations, good, bad and different results, we have to present them and do what we’re supposed to do, take action, administratively we take action. We present the case to the District Attorney and the Attorney General if it’s a federal case. Still, we don’t withhold things for material gain or political advantage, and this is exactly what’s happened with all four cases, and I’m… I’m disappointed but not shocked,” said Sheriff Villanueva. 

The Sheriff’s Department will contact the Office of the Attorney General to request an investigation and examine if the District Attorney has been engaged in electioneering and using his office to influence the outcome of the election by suppressing information.

Family Seeks public’s help to solve Murder of Donte Lee Johnson 768 1024 SIB Staff

Family Seeks public’s help to solve Murder of Donte Lee Johnson

Detectives and Family Members Seek the Public’s Help to Solve the Murder of Philadelphia Resident Donte Lee Johnson; $20,000 Reward

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Detectives held a press conference on Wednesday, November 2, 2022, 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 30-year-old- Donte Lee Johnson. The reward was approved by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

On March 5, 2021, at approximately 2:09 p.m., Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) deputies responded to an assault with a deadly weapon, and gunshot victim call, at 609 N. Long Beach Boulevard, Compton, CA. Upon arrival, deputies found Donte Lee Johnson on the ground, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the upper torso. Unfortunately, the victim, Donte Lee Johnson, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Mr. Johnson, a resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was visiting friends to attend a social gathering in the City of Compton. Donte and his friends were at the location when they encountered the suspect, who produced a handgun and began firing in their direction. After the shooting, the suspect entered the rear passenger seat of an awaiting silver Chrysler PT Cruiser, which drove west on Elm Street from Long Beach Blvd. and out of view. The PT Cruiser was missing two hubcaps, had oxidation on the roof, and had a sticker on the lower left corner of the rear window. Investigators believe the shooting was gang-related and Donte was an innocent victim of the senseless act of violence.

Donte Lee Johnson’s younger brother was killed in 2011 in Philadelphia, and his mother, Movita Johnson-Harrell, created the CHARLES Foundation (Creating Healthy Alternatives Results in Less Emotional Suffering) in his memory. Donte advocated ending gun violence, speaking at events including the House of Representatives and the Senate. In his speeches, he would label himself as an “endangered species.” Donte and his family worked tirelessly so that other families would not experience the pain of losing a loved one to gun violence. In addition to fighting gun violence, Donte worked in the family business since the age of 16, caring for people with mental disabilities. He was a loving father to a 9-year-old girl and a 4-year-old-boy.

“My son came down the steps on March 4th, 2021, kissed me on my left cheek five times, looked me in my eyes and said, ‘mom, I love you. I’ll see you later,’ and the next time my son came home was in a box,” said Donte’s mom, Movita Johnson-Harrell.

Detectives believe there are witnesses in the area who may have seen or know the suspects’ identities. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477) or using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org/.

Press Conference

Sheriff Villanueva Announces arrest of LAw enforcement impersonator – Victims sought 1024 819 SIB Staff

Sheriff Villanueva Announces arrest of LAw enforcement impersonator – Victims sought

Sheriff Villanueva Announces Arrest of Law Enforcement Impersonator that Extorted Spanish Speaking Handymen

On Tuesday, November 1st, 2022, Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva along with Bellflower Detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Lakewood Station, held a press conference to announce the arrest of a law enforcement impersonator that targeted Spanish speakers to steal money from them.

In June of 2022, a victim went to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Station in Lakewood to report a theft. He stated he was a contractor and had a Spanish ad listing in “El Clasificado” for handyman work. The suspect contacted the victim to perform work on the suspect’s home located in the city of Bellflower. Sometime during the meeting, the suspect identified himself as an “LA Police Detective” and said he had access to confiscated and towed vehicles from the police department to sell. The suspect offered to sell the victim two hybrid vehicles for a $7,000.00 deposit via Zelle and another $7,000.00 once the vehicles were delivered. The victim never received the vehicles and the suspect ignored any calls from the victim.

On one occasion, the victim was able to get a hold of the suspect via cellphone and during the call, the suspect told the victim that he was a detective and if he didn’t want any problems, he should stay away.

Bellflower Detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Lakewood Station, in partnership with the cities of Lakewood, Paramount, Bellflower, Artesia and Hawaiian Gardens, started an investigation and on October 27, 2022, Bellflower Detectives authored a search warrant and arrested suspect Alejandro Martin at his residence. He was booked at Lakewood Station for theft by false pretense.

So far, eight victims have come forward with similar incidents totaling approximately over $100,000.000. On October 31st the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office filed charges of grand theft, attempted grand theft, and impersonating a peace officer. Martin was arrested in 2014 for impersonating a peace officer and grand theft.  He received three years of probation for the grand theft and the impersonation charge was dropped. In 2019, he was arrested again for impersonation, grand theft and felon in possession of a firearm. Once again, the impersonation charge was dropped but he did receive a sentence of two years and 8 months for the possession and grand theft charge.

All victims are Hispanic and Spanish speakers and are either handymen or did construction work and placed ads in “El Clasificado” to advertise their services. The suspect would use these advertisements to initiate contact with his victims.

Oftentimes, Spanish speakers are victims of crime and theft and they do not report incidents. Villanueva assured that the mission of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is to protect all County residents.

“We investigate crimes without asking about immigration status. Our focus is to protect everyone in the community. Witnesses and victims should not be afraid to report crimes because they fear deportation. We have a responsibility to respect due process rights for all and to protect our community,” said Sheriff Villanueva.

Any possible theft victims of Alejandro Martin are encouraged to contact Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Detective Gallegos at 562-925-0124 ext. 2541.

Press Conference Video

Link 1

image of Sheriff Villanueva, standing behind a podium, a TV screen is off to his left shoulder showing a graph.
Sheriff Villanueva provides an updaTe on the Attorney General’s Investigation 1024 528 SIB Staff

Sheriff Villanueva provides an updaTe on the Attorney General’s Investigation

On Wednesday, October 26, 2022, Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva held a press conference to provide a status on the investigation of the Attorney General on the search warrants that were served regarding the Peace over Violence investigation, and other relevant information.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) has a court hearing on Thursday, October 27, 2022, to provide a status on the handling over of evidence for the investigation to the Attorney General’s office. This week, LASD learned that a motion is being filed by the Attorney General’s office seeking to compel the LASD to destroy all evidence in their possession, including Body-Worn Camera footage. If granted, this motion would be an illegal destruction of evidence and possible obstruction of justice. This motion would also leave the LASD without evidence for defense in potential lawsuits regarding this issue.

A picture of the moment Los Angeles County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl is escorted out of her house was widely circulated and an audio that was recorded inside of her house moments before she was escorted out was played. A male’s voice can be heard offering her shoes and Kuehl can be heard saying: “No it’s a much better picture when I’m barefoot.” The media pointed out the fact that she was barefoot and the narrative was that LASD abused her rights and somehow mishandled her. “This is part of everything that the Attorney General wants to delete and destroy from all of our files and I’m troubled by that,” said Sheriff Villanueva.

LASD will address the concern with the Assistant U.S. Attorney, Central District in California, and will request that they monitor the Attorney General’s investigation.

Sheriff Villanueva also addressed the number of civilian oversight hearings, lawsuits and the number of articles published by the LA Times. A total of sixty-nine articles have been published about Sheriff Villanueva and all of them have a negative connotation; everything to influence the outcome of the November election.  

Sheriff Villanueva ended the press conference by wishing everyone a safe Halloween and for those concerned about fentanyl, he pointed out there is no evidence of fentanyl being packaged and passed off as candy to kids but there is evidence of fentanyl being disguised in bulk candy boxes for smuggling purposes. He reminded parents to check the candy children collect and toss anything that looks suspicious.    

Press Conference video

Press Conference Material

Slides – PDF

Keuhl Audio From Search Warrant

Coffee with the Sheriff
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TSB Coffee with the Sheriff

Coffee with the Sheriff

Tuesday, October 25, 2022 – 7:00am – 10:00am

Santa Monica Downtown – 4th St. Metro Station, 402 Colorado Ave. Santa Monica

Join Sheriff Alex Villanueva and LASD Transit Services Bureau Captain Shawn Kehoe for some free coffee and pastries, and an opportunity to chat with them and your Sheriff’s transit policing team.

We’ll also have transit rider safety info and items for the kids.

For more info:
Instagram: @lasdtransit
Facebook: LAD Transit Services Bureau
Twitter: @TransitLASD

Box of candy open revealing small round pills. Instead of choclate candy that is depicted on the box.
Fentanyl Packaged in Candy 1024 700 SIB Staff

Fentanyl Packaged in Candy

On October 19, 2022, at approximately 0730 hours, LA County Sheriff’s Narcotics Bureau Detectives and Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) agents assigned to a task force at the Los Angeles International Airport seized approximately 12,000 suspected fentanyl pills.

The suspect attempted to go through TSA screening with several bags of candy and miscellaneous snacks with the intent of boarding a plane.  However, it was discovered that inside the “Sweetarts”, “Skittles”, and “Whoppers” candy boxes were fentanyl pills and not  candy.  The suspect fled prior to being detained by law enforcement but has been identified and the investigation is on-going.

Bag of different types of candy.
Bag of skittles with round blue pill instead of candy.
Package of candy.
Package of sealed candy.

With Halloween approaching, parents need to make sure they are checking their kids candy and not allowing them to eat anything until it has been inspected by them.  If you find anything in candy boxes that you believe might be narcotics, do not touch it and immediately notify your local law enforcement agency. 

South LA Deputies Arrest Felon with a Firearm 449 280 SIB Staff

South LA Deputies Arrest Felon with a Firearm

Additional Witnesses Sought – South LA Deputies Arrest Felon with a Firearm.

On Sunday, October 16, 2022, South Los Angeles deputies were involved in a use of force incident with an armed suspect in the city of Inglewood. The suspect, Blake Anderson, was subsequently arrested for the following charges: felon in possession of firearm, felon in possession of ammunition, possession of (loaded) concealed firearm, assault on a peace officer with a firearm.

Black chest bag with elastic band.
Satchel that contained firearm.
photo of Blake Anderson.
Suspect: Blake Anderson

Suspect Anderson sustained minor injuries during the use of force. He was transported to a hospital for treatment and medically cleared for booking. It should be noted Suspect Anderson had a previous traumatic injury which he sustained in an unrelated incident prior to contact with Deputies.

Due to the ongoing investigation, we are unable to provide additional information.

Anyone who witnessed the arrest is encouraged to call the South Los Angeles Sheriff’s Station (323) 820-6700) to provide information to investigators.

UPDATE: Suspect Anderson was on active parole at the time of his arrest, is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms, and was not an employee of the “Good Batch Hookah Lounge.”  The initial contact and force used in this incident is concerning and is being reviewed.  Depending on the outcome, proper administrative action will result. 

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Passing of Retired Executive Officer Raymond Leyva

The Office of the Sheriff is saddened to announce the passing of retired Executive Officer Raymond Leyva.  Mr. Leyva passed away on Wednesday, October 12, 2022. 

Ray Leyva began his career as a reserve officer with the Los Angeles Police Department in 1975, leaving the LAPD to work as a police officer for the Burbank Police Department in 1976, before transferring to the Sheriff’s Department in 1981.  He served as a Deputy Sheriff at Men’s Central Jail, Sybil Brand Institute for Women, and Firestone and Marina Del Rey stations before promoting to Sergeant in 1985.  As a Sergeant, he worked at multiple stations as well as Custody Division Headquarters.  Upon his promotion to Lieutenant in 1990, he was assigned to the Office of the Undersheriff, East Los Angeles Station, North County Correctional Facility, East Facility, Recruit Training Bureau, Custody Division Headquarters and Sheriff’s Headquarters Bureau.

In August of 1999, he was promoted to Captain of Court Services West Bureau.  In 2001, he was transferred to Sheriff’s Headquarters Bureau with responsibilities involving the Office of the Sheriff and all media interaction for the Department.  In 2003, he was placed in command of Men’s Central Jail and in 2004, was transferred to Pitchess Detention Center North Facility.  In March 2010, he was moved to the Pitchess Detention Center East Facility.

In 2012, Mr. Leyva was promoted to the position of Commander and assigned to Field Operations Region I, where he supervised patrol stations located in northern Los Angeles County.  In 2013, the Department reorganized and he was reassigned to North Patrol Division.  His responsibilities included managing the budget and personnel needs of the Division along with other administrative duties.

In 2016, he retired from the Department as a Commander after 35 years of service.  In 2018, he accepted an offer to return to the Department as an Executive Officer, performing the duties of the Undersheriff. 

Mr.  Leyva held both a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from California State University Los Angeles and Pepperdine University, respectively.  He graduated from several leadership programs throughout the country and taught “Train the Trainer” courses nationwide in the area of Analytical Interviewing.  Mr. Leyva had extensive training in Emergency Management protocols and completed the Tactical Science Course involving Disaster and Crime Scene Management.  He served as the HAPCOA representative to the Department of Homeland Security and assisted numerous agencies nationwide in the selection of supervisory and management personnel.

Mr. Leyva was a Past-National President of the Hispanic American Police Command Officers Association, Past-President of the Southern California Chapter of HAPCOA, Past-President and Board Member of the Los Angeles County Chicano Employees Association, Board Member of the Professional Peace Officers Association (PPOA), as well as a member of several other Law Enforcement Associations. 

The Sheriff’s Department extends our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the Leyva family.  Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.

– Sheriff Alex Villanueva

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lawsuit filed by Castellano

ANOTHER FRIVOLOUS LAWSUIT…

October 6, 2022

The lawsuit filed by Allen Castellano is a regurgitation of the same false statements, omissions, mischaracterizations, and outright lies contained in other lawsuits recently filed by Robin Limon, Lajuana Haselrig, Vanessa Chow, and their attorney, Vincent Miller.  There is no new information contained within this claim, especially not an explanation as to why he and others so critically failed in the performance of their duties.  Failures of which he already received appropriate administrative action for.  What should be noted is Mr. Castellano did not sign his allegations under penalty of perjury. 

Attorney Vincent Miller is currently representing more than 15 frivolous lawsuits against the department, but rather than file all the related lawsuits at the same time, they have been strategically released over the last several months, in an effort to influence the outcome of the upcoming election, as well as breathe much needed life into his multitude of other failing lawsuits.  

Consistent with the well-established pattern and practice of Attorney Vincent Miller, this lawsuit contains wild and demonstrably false allegations on behalf of his client.  Allegations which were not signed under penalty of perjury, allowing them to provide the media with false statements to be turned into sensational headlines, yet avoiding accountability or prosecution when the allegations are later proven false during deposition or in court.  

We look forward to challenging this false narrative in court for what it is: an unlawful effort to coverup and avoid accountability.

Sheriff Alex Villanueva