Inside LADA

December 12, 2023: District Attorney Gascón Announces Charges Against Two Men in Two Anti-Semitic Vandalism and Assault Cases

 

News Conference

Yesterday, the Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced that Klinton Dion is charged with Anti-Semitic vandalisms on public and private property, including Temple Emanu El, in Burbank and Glendale.

“The escalating wave of anti-Semitic attacks against the Jewish community will not be tolerated in Los Angeles County," asserted District Attorney Gascón. “We have a zero tolerance for such behavior and our Hate Crimes Unit will work diligently to continue prosecuting such crimes.”

He also announced that Jarris Silagi has been charged with violently attacking a Jewish couple as they were on their way to celebrate Shabbat at their synagogue in Beverly Hills.

“I unequivocally condemn the violent attack inflicted upon those peacefully observing their faith.” District Attorney Gascón said. “Such acts of Antisemitism have no place in our community, and we continue to be committed to ensuring justice prevails and holding the defendant accountable. Our thoughts are with the victims and all those who continue to be targeted for their faith. My office’s Hate Crimes Unit will work diligently to bring justice to the victims.”

Click here to watch the news conference.

Click here to read the news release on Dion.

Click here to read the news release on Silagi.Read more...

November 20, 2023: District Attorney Gascón Announces Charges Against Man For Pointing Rifle at School Administrator in West Hollywood

 

DA Gascon Announces Charges Against Man in West Hollywood

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón today announced that Vahe Armen is charged with pointing a weapon at a school administrator while students and parents were present during morning school drop-off at Larchmont Charter Elementary School in West Hollywood.

“In an era plagued by an epidemic of mass shootings at schools across our nation, every parent in America faces an unimaginable fear when they send their children to school. It is an unfair burden that no parent should bear.” District Attorney George Gascón said. “We must prioritize the safety and well-being of our community, particularly our children. They deserve nothing less than a nurturing environment free from the threat of violence.”

Click here to watch the news conference.

Click here to read the news release.Read more...

November 15, 2023: District Attorney Gascón Announces Charges In Wrong-Way Crash That Killed Los Angeles County Sheriff's Recruit In Whittier

 

DA Gascon Announces Charges Filed in Whittier Wrong-Way Crash

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón has made a significant announcement on Thursday, November 9, 2023, informing the public that Nicholas Gutierrez now faces charges related to the fatal wrong-way crash that occurred in Whittier in November 2022. The crash resulted in the tragic death of Los Angeles County Sheriff's recruit Alejandro Martinez-Inzunza and caused severe injuries to other recruits.

“Even after almost a year, the profound loss of Alejandro Martinez-Inzunza and the lasting impact on the injured recruits continue to deeply affect the community,” District Attorney Gascón said.

District Attorney Gascón expressed his office's unwavering dedication to ensuring that justice is served for the victims and their families. “The Crimes Against Peace Officers Division will tirelessly pursue the case to provide the support and closure that they deserve,” he said.

“By bringing formal charges against Nicholas Gutierrez, the legal system takes a significant step towards seeking justice in this heartbreaking incident. The aim is to provide a sense of justice and accountability for the lives lost and the lives forever changed as a result of this tragic event.”

“The felony filings today are a step towards justice for the family of Deputy Alejandro Martinez and all the LASD Recruits who were injured, many of whom have life-altering injuries sustained because of this tragic incident,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna. “The collaborative efforts among the California Highway Patrol Multi-disciplinary Accident Investigation Team and our Homicide Bureau detectives illustrates our commitment and diligence in holding the individual accountable for this horrific incident.”

Click here to watch the news conference.

Click here to read the news release.Read more...

November 14, 2023: District Attorney Gascón Announces Charges Filed For Killing of Off-Duty LAPD Officer

 

DA Gascon Announces Charges Filed For Killing of Off-Duty LAPD Officer

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced on Thursday, November 9, 2023, that Brian Olivarez has been charged with the murders of off-duty Los Angeles Police Officer Darrell Cunningham and his passenger, Jorge Soriano, and seriously injuring two others, in a car crash last weekend in Northridge.

“First and foremost, my thoughts and deepest condolences are with the victims’ families and the Los Angeles Police Department who are coping with this tragic loss of life,” District Attorney Gascón said. “This tragic and senseless collision serves as an alarming testament to the grave dangers that plague our roadways. It is a stark reminder that we cannot afford to tolerate reckless behavior behind the wheel. Driving under the influence, distracted driving, excessive speeding or any other form of disregard for the safety of others will be met with the full force of the law.

These crimes will not be tolerated, and those who engage in such irresponsible behavior will face severe consequences. I want to thank the prosecutors from my office’s DUI Training and Prosecution Section who have assisted the Los Angeles Police Department in their investigation. We will tirelessly pursue justice, ensuring that the defendant is held accountable.”

“I am profoundly saddened by the senseless loss of Officer Darrell Cunningham and his long-time friend Jorge Soriano, which resulted from the reckless and criminal actions of Brian Olivarez,” LAPD Chief Michel Moore said. “I am grateful for the outstanding investigative work of our seasoned detectives in gathering the evidence to support these criminal charges and hope it brings some small measure of justice to the families of Darrell and Jorge and the men and women of the Los Angeles Police Department.”

Click here to watch the news conference.

Click here to read the news release.Read more...

November 9, 2023: District Attorney Gascón Announces Medical Examiner Investigator Charged With Stealing From the Deceased

District Attorney Gascón Announces Medical Examiner Investigator Charged With Stealing From the Deceased

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced today that an investigator with the County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner (formerly known as the Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner) has been charged with stealing items from deceased individuals and surroundings during the scope of his employment.

“An investigator with the Medical Examiner’s Office holds a position of immense trust and responsibility,” District Attorney Gascón said. “Their role is not just to unravel the cause of death or help solve potential crimes but also to provide closure and peace to grieving family members. The theft of items, potential family heirlooms and sentimental pieces from the deceased, not only violates this trust but desecrates the memory of a loved one.

“It’s a profound betrayal of the very essence of the role and the solemn duty owed to both the deceased and their bereaved families.”

Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Odey Ukpo added: “The Department of Medical Examiner takes these allegations very seriously and is assisting law enforcement and the D.A.’s Office in the ongoing investigation.”

Click here to watch the news conference.

Click here to read the news release.Read more...

November 2, 2023: District Attorney Gascón Announces Catalina Island Business Owners Charged With Failing to Pay Employees Overtime, Filing Fraudulent Statements

 

District Attorney Gascón Announces Catalina Island Business Owners Charged With Failing to Pay Employees Overtime, Filing Fraudulent Statements

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced today that Jack Arthur Tucey and Yueh Mei Tucey, aka Nora Tucey, have been charged with allegedly defrauding their employees of more than $500,000 in overtime wages, and filing false and fraudulent statements with the Employment Development Department beginning in 2008.

“The case filed against the defendants underscores the urgent need to protect workers' rights,” District Attorney Gascón said. “By allegedly underreporting wages and violating overtime pay laws, the defendants not only broke the law but also contributed to the cycle of economic hardship for hardworking individuals. We are determined to combat wage theft and ensure that every worker receives the compensation they deserve. Fair wages are a crucial pillar in the fight against poverty, fostering a more just and equitable society for all."

“The illegal activity involved in the underground economy hurts compliant businesses and California workers alike,” said EDD Director Nancy Farias. “EDD is committed to leveling the playing field for businesses and protecting workers.  As such, our investigators work alongside other law enforcement partners to bring offenders to justice.”

Click here to watch the news conference.

Click here to read the news release.Read more...

October 25, 2023: District Attorney Gascón Announces Man Charged in Fatal Crash That Killed Four Pepperdine University Students in Malibu

 

District Attorney Gascón Announces Man Charged in Fatal Crash That Killed Four Pepperdine University Students in Malibu

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced today that Fraser Bohm has been charged in a fatal car crash that killed four Pepperdine University students in Malibu.

“Our hearts go out the families, loved ones and the Pepperdine University family as they cope with this unimaginable pain,” District Attorney Gascón said. “Today we stand in deep sorrow for the loss of four innocent lives tragically taken in a senseless act. We want to assure the community that we are committed to seeking justice for those who have been taken from us too soon.”

Click here to watch the news conference.

Click here to read the news release.Read more...

September 26, 2023: District Attorney Gascón Announces Exoneration of Man Wrongfully Convicted of Robbery, Kidnapping, and Sexual Assault

 

District Attorney Gascón Announces Exoneration of Man Wrongfully Convicted of Robbery, Kidnapping, and Sexual Assault

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón today announced the exoneration and release from prison of Gerardo Cabanillas, who was wrongfully convicted of robbery, kidnapping, and sexual assault, among other crimes, in April 1996.

“Today, we acknowledge a grave injustice that has resulted in the unjust more than 28-year incarceration of Mr. Cabanillas.” District Attorney Gascón said. “Upon thorough reexamination of the evidence and a comprehensive review of the case by my office’s Conviction Integrity Unit, it has become abundantly clear that a serious error was made. I extend my deepest apologies to Mr. Cabanillas for the miscarriage of justice and the failure of our criminal legal system.

It is imperative that we reflect upon this case as a stark reminder that our criminal legal system is not infallible. We must collectively commit to doing better, to continuously improving our procedures, and to ensuring that every person who enters our legal system is afforded a fair and just process.

I’d like to thank the Conviction Integrity Unit’s prosecutors and investigators who worked to re-evaluate the evidence in Mr. Cabanillas’ case and conducted an exhaustive investigation to get to the truth. Today, we recognize the justice he deserves.”

Click here to watch the news conference.

Click here to read the news release.Read more...

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