Inside LADA

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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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September 20, 2023: District Attorrney Gascón Announces Man Charged with Murder of Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer in Palmdale

 

District Attorrney Gascón Announces Man Charged with Murder of Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer in Palmdale

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced today that Kevin Eduardo Cataneo Salazar has been charged with the murder of Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer in the city of Palmdale.

“My heart is broken during this incredibly difficult time for the family of Deputy Clinkunbroomer and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.” District Attorney Gascón said. “This senseless act of violence is an affront to the values of justice and peace that we hold dear in our community. Our law enforcement partners worked tirelessly to investigate and find the alleged individual responsible for murdering Deputy Clinkunbroomer. I want to assure you that my office’s Crimes Against Peace Officer’s Division is committed to bringing to justice the person responsible for this heinous crime. In the face of this tragedy, let us come together as a community supporting one another and standing against acts of violence against those who work night and day to protect us. Together, we will find solace, strength, and ultimately, justice for our fallen deputy.”

“We are devastated by the brutal murder of Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer and share in the grief with his family, partners, and community as we try to grapple with this tragedy,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna. “This ambush attack was absolutely unacceptable and an attack on law enforcement as a whole. Deputy Clinkunbroomer was in uniform, stopped at a red light in his patrol vehicle like thousands of other law enforcement officers and deputies do every day when he tragically lost his life while serving his community. Deputy Clinkunbroomer embodied a legacy of service that was instilled in him through several generations. Our detectives and personnel worked relentlessly for thirty-six hours to locate and arrest the suspect responsible for Ryan’s murder and we support the charges that were filed today. We expect the maximum punishment available under the law for the murder of Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer.” 

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September 6, 2023: District Attorney Gascón Announces Creation of New Labor Justice Unit, Historic Charges Filed in Wage Theft Case in South Los Angeles

 

Labor Justice Unit NC

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced the creation of the office’s first Labor Justice Unit (LJU) today at a news conference. The District Attorney was also joined by State Labor Commissioner Lilia García-Brower to announce the filing of charges by the newly formed LJU in a seven-count felony complaint against owners of two garment industry businesses in South Los Angeles.

“I am pleased to announce the formation of my office’s newly established Labor Justice Unit. The Unit will bolster our existing fight to end wage theft and labor exploitation by providing a dedicated team of seasoned prosecutors and investigators whose focus will be the enforcement of these laws,” District Attorney Gascón said. “Los Angeles remains the wage theft capitol of the country. This historic unit will enable the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office to take greater action against financial crimes affecting hardworking Angelenos and their families.”

“Employers in this case knowingly and intentionally denied workers their hard-earned wages, paying workers as low as $6.00 an hour,” said State Labor Commissioner Lilia García-Brower. “These bad actor employers abused workers, defrauded the system and should not be in business. California needs more criminal prosecutions of wage theft to protect workers and honest employers from unfair competition. My office will continue to work closely with the LADA office to hold perpetrators accountable,” added García-Brower.

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