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Sheriff Alex Villanueva

SHERIFF PRESENTS CHECK TO POMONA VALLEY HOSPITAL 1024 487 SIB Staff

SHERIFF PRESENTS CHECK TO POMONA VALLEY HOSPITAL

In an ongoing effort to increase public awareness about the fight against breast cancer, Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva presented a $10,500.00 check to the Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center Breast Health Center.

Proceeds were generated through the Pink Patch Project, a collaborative effort between the Los Angeles County Police Chiefs’ Association (LACPCA) and over 500 public safety agencies throughout the United States. As part of this program, participating agencies sell their commemorative pink patches not only to public safety personnel but also to the community. In addition to pink patches, other merchandise, including T-shirts, challenge coins, and stuffed animals, is sold to generate funds. Last year face masks were added to the list. Proceeds from the sale of these items go to fund breast cancer education, research, and treatment.

“We are extremely grateful for the support of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the community’s support of the Pink Patch Project,” said Richard E. Yochum, FACHE, President/CEO of Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center. “The funds raised help us to provide free resources to those in our community affected by cancer, including Nurse Navigators for patients, support groups, a wig program, creative journaling and exercise classes, as well as investments in advanced technologies, such as our SmartCurve breast stabilization system, which reduces pain during mammograms, and the DigniCap Scalp Cooling System that reduces the risk of hair loss during chemotherapy treatment.”

Maria Perez, a former patient of PVHMC, shared her story of survival: “When they tell you ‘you have stage IV cancer’ and when you see your kids, and you see that you’re going to leave them by themselves, who is going to take care of them? I pushed myself to come here.” 

Sheriff Villanueva, a cancer survivor himself, added: “Early detection, prevention, and intervention is the key to success, and we want to encourage and facilitate any which way we can to give all the resources to the community to facilitate treatment.”

Please visit www.lasdpatch.com to purchase pink patches and other merchandise. Proceeds from the sale of these items will directly benefit cancer research and treatment.

Sheriff Villanueva speaking at a podium surrounded by Consulates from the Asian and Pacific Island nations of LA County
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Zero Tolerance For Hate Crimes In Los Angeles County

Press Conference: Sheriff Villanueva, Along With Local Asian Community Groups, Call For Zero Tolerance For Any Hate Crimes And Incidents In Los Angeles County

On Thursday, March 25, 2021, Sheriff Alex Villanueva held a press conference in front of the Hall of Justice to announce his support for the Asian community.  He was joined by; Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles, Akira Muto; Honorary Consul General of Cambodia in Los Angeles, Mr. Kim Chha Hout; Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Los Angeles, Kyung Jae Park; Mayor of Monterey Park, Yvonne Yin; Mayor of San Gabriel, Chin Ho Liao, the support of Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Los Angeles, Zhang Ping, the Sheriff’s Community Advisory Council, and other highly respected community leaders.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, there has been a significant rise in hate crimes against the Asian-American community. The fatal shooting of eight people, including six women of Asian descent, in Atlanta, Georgia, on Tuesday, March 16, 2021, is the latest attack against Asian-Americans, and it shook the nation. Unfortunately, it was not an isolated incident. On Sunday, March 21, 2021, a man disrupted a ‘Stop Asian Hate’ protest in Diamond Bar by driving through a group of protesters while hurling insults against China.

Sheriff Villanueva called for zero tolerance for hate crimes in Los Angeles County, especially towards Asian Americans. He urged people to report crime by calling 911 if it is an emergency, contacting a local law enforcement agency, or remaining anonymous by calling LA Crime Stoppers at 800-222 or by visiting lacrimestoppers.org.

Undersheriff Tim Murakami talked about his experience as a 4th generation Asian-American. He explained that historically, the Asian community has been very quiet. For the most part, they accept things, overlook them and move on. He urged the community to stand up as a group and realize “they’re Americans, they have the right to be here, they have the right to be respected and the right to be protected.”

Sheriff Villanueva reminded everyone that everyone is looking for the same things in life, security and a sense of belonging at the end of the day. “If you’re a recent arrival or you’ve been here for generations, all of you are welcome in Los Angeles County. We welcome you in this great nation of us,” he concluded.

LA COUNTY SHERIFF VILLANUEVA LAUNCHES THE “WAGE THEFT TASK FORCE” 1024 683 SIB Staff

LA COUNTY SHERIFF VILLANUEVA LAUNCHES THE “WAGE THEFT TASK FORCE”

LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF ALEX VILLANUEVA LAUNCHES THE “WAGE THEFT TASK FORCE”


Today, LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva launched the first of its kind “Wage Theft Task Force” to protect undocumented and documented workers in Southern California.  “Rebuilding trust with our community, in particular the undocumented, is crucial to public safety, I want those wage theft victims to know that their immigration status does not matter,” said Sheriff Alex Villanueva.  This Wage Theft Task Force is a collaboration with the California Labor Commission, the LA County Office of Immigrant Affairs, the LA County District Attorney’s Office, the LA County Federation of Labor and several community groups.

According to a UCLA Labor Center Study, low wage earners are the most vulnerable and a whopping $28 million dollars is stolen every week in Los Angeles County alone due to wage theft by unscrupulous employers.  California Labor Commissioner Lilia Garcia-Brower said, “I applaud Sheriff Villanueva for his leadership to stand up for hard working Angelinos and partner with my office to build a targeted judgment enforcement task force.”

Potential victims of wage theft are urged to reach out to a LASD patrol station to file a complaint, which will be referred to our Special Victims Bureau to investigate.  Upon completion of their investigation, the case may be referred to the DA’s Office and/or the California Labor Commission.  Attorneys will decide if this is a criminal matter or not; however, all victims (regardless of the criminal nature of their case) will be referred to the Office of Immigrant Affairs for further support.  Eventually, after a judge renders a decision and if it is in favor of the victim, LASD will serve the court order to help the victim recover his/her stolen wages.

Virgilio Gonzalez was a live-in healthcare worker for the elderly disabled in a congregate setting.  Virgilio says he was a victim of wage theft and in 2018 after filing a report with the Labor Commission, he received a judgment for nearly $70,000.00 in back pay.  “Wage theft hurt me and my family, it is a crime, and I hope nobody else has to go through what I did,” said Mr. Gonzalez.

LASD is committed to transparency, accountability and public safety for all including the undocumented.

If you are a victim of Wage Theft or know someone who is, click here for more information.

LASD Sheriff's Department Logo
Deputy Clicks and Subgroups Policy 800 170 SIB Staff

Deputy Clicks and Subgroups Policy

Sheriff Alex Villanueva addresses policy on deputy cliques and subgroups With Department Members.

Sheriff Alex Villanueva is the FIRST Los Angeles County Sheriff to successfully implement a policy banning “deputy cliques.” The policy went into effect in February 2020, and a video reinforcing his message was recently released to the Department. All sworn Department members have been briefed and are being held accountable. This is what culture change within the organization looks like.

View LASD Policy

Sheriff Alex Villanueva discusses the LASD policy banning Deputy Cliques.
Picture of Sheriff Alex Villanueva infront of the L A City Skyline, Text reads, In the Community with Sheriff Villanueva – Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Monthly Update of Community Events, Press Conferences and Announcements
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In the Community – January 15, 2021

Transparency via SB 1421: Update

January 12, 2021

Since January 1, 2019, LASD received 3,725 SB-1421 record requests, and to date, 3,593 of those requests have been fulfilled.  In addition, 335 cases have been publicly posted on www.sheriff33.lasd.org under the “Transparency” tab.  There is more to come, now that funding has been approved for the much needed tracking and redaction software… READ MORE

LASD Sheriff Villanueva Responds to #VictimsMatter

January 7, 2021

Los Angeles County Sheriff Villanueva firmly believes, “We are not safer by putting the interests of offenders over the needs of victims of crime.”… READ MORE AND VIEW VIDEO

LASD Assists Our Public Health Partners in Distributing the COVID-19 Vaccine

January 6, 2021

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is proud to assist our public health partners in this historical and monumental mission to distribute the Covid-19 vaccine. The goal is to help slow the spread of COVID-19… READ MORE

Malibu Search and Rescue Team Rescues Injured Hiker 

January 05, 2021

Never a dull moment with the Malibu Search and Rescue Team. These types of specialized teams have been utilized during a critical call for service. Their swift action has resulted in saving countless lives. Just recently, an injured hiker recently was rescued from Malibu State Creek Park… READ MORE

Sheriff Alex Villanueva Recaps LASD and Super-Spreader Enforcement for December, 2020

DECEMBER 30, 2020

LASD Super-Spreader Enforcement Team has been hard at work tracking Super-Spreader events during the Month December, 2020… READ MORE

LASD Sheriff Alex Villanueva and the Dream Center Co-Founder Pastor Matthew Barnett Build Community Partnerships

December 31, 2020

The year 2020 has been a difficult and challenging time for many families and communities. It was a privilege to be a part of “The First Responders Toy Giveaway” event to show appreciation to the residents we serve… READ MORE AND VIEW VIDEO

Sheriff alex villanueva graphic. portrait of sheriff in tan shirt black tie. Sheriff's uniform, on greeen background with the hall of justice building behind him faded in the back ground.
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DOJ NON-CRIMINAL “PATTERN AND PRACTICE” INVESTIGATION

DOJ NON-CRIMINAL “PATTERN AND PRACTICE” INVESTIGATION

January 22, 2021

As Sheriff, I look forward to this non-criminal “pattern and practice” investigation. Our Department may finally have an impartial, objective assessment of our operations, and recommendations on any areas we can improve our service to the community.  During my administration, we have routinely requested the State Office of the Attorney General to monitor our investigations, and we will provide immediate access to all information in our possession.  We are eager to get this process started, in the interest of transparency and accountability.

Sheriff Alex Villanueva

Sheriff alex villanueva graphic. portrait of sheriff in tan shirt black tie. Sheriff's uniform, on greeen background with the hall of justice building behind him faded in the back ground.
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U.S. CAPITOL INCIDENT ALLEGEDLY INVOLVING OFF-DUTY DEPUTY

U.S. CAPITOL INCIDENT ALLEGEDLY INVOLVING OFF-DUTY DEPUTY

January 14, 2021

As I indicated today during my Instagram/Facebook live briefing, I am very concerned one of my deputies may have been involved in wrongdoing at the U.S. Capitol. Upon learning, I contacted the Federal Bureau of Investigation and briefed them. Additionally, we have initiated an administrative inquiry into the matter. Anyone with additional information, please contact LASD.

Sheriff Alex Villanueva

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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
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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.

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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.