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September 30, 2024: DA Gascón Announces Charges Against Man in Metro Bus Hijacking, Murder of Passenger in Los Angeles

 

DA Gascón Announces Charges Against Man in Metro Bus Hijacking, Murder of Passenger in Los Angeles

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced today that Lamont Campbell, 51, is charged with allegedly hijacking a public bus with passengers and shooting and killing Anthony Rivera, 48, in the city of Los Angeles on September 25.

“Today, I stand with a heavy heart as we confront the tragic aftermath of a senseless act of violence that has taken a life and shattered the sense of safety for many in our community,” said District Attorney Gascón. “My deepest condolences go out to the victim's family and all those affected by this horrific event. Every day, countless individuals rely on public transportation to go about their lives, to work, to school, and to connect with their loved ones. It is unacceptable that anyone should feel fear while simply traveling within our county. I am committed to ensuring that all Angelenos can navigate their daily routines without the threat of violence looming over them.”

Watch the news conference in English.

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September 26, 2024: District Attorney Gascón Announces New 25-Count Grand Jury Indictment Against Atlas Metal, Owners

 

Watts Scrapyard News Conference image

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced today that the S&W Atlas Iron and Metal Corp., and its owners were charged in a new 25-count indictment, which includes a charge related to the explosion in a Aug. 12 blast at the scrap metal recycler, adjacent to Jordan High School in Watts.

“Our children and the community of Watts deserve a safe and healthy environment to learn and grow in,” District Attorney Gascón said. “We will hold companies accountable when they put profits over people and endanger the well-being of our neighborhoods. This latest charge is a reminder that the safety of our communities must come first. No business has the right to jeopardize public health, especially in areas that impact our children’s futures.”

Watch the news conference in English.

Watch the news conference in Spanish.

Read the news release.Read more...

August 29, 2024: DA Gascón Announces LADA’s Efforts to Take Strong Stand Against Hate Crimes in Los Angeles County

 

DA Gascón Announces LADA’s Efforts to Take Strong Stand Against Hate Crimes in Los Angeles County

The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office is proud to announce a significant step forward in addressing and combating hate crimes throughout Los Angeles County. With hate crimes on the rise, the office is not only committed to holding perpetrators accountable but also to addressing the root causes of bias and fostering community reconciliation.

In a news conference today, District Attorney George Gascón was joined by Robin Toma, executive director, Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations; and members of LADA’s Hate Crimes Unit to address the office and county’s work to prosecute and assist in preventing hate crimes in Los Angeles County.

“Hate has no place in Los Angeles County. We have seen a troubling rise in hate crimes, and we are determined to fight back with a multifaceted approach, which includes concerted efforts to encourage tolerance and understanding through my office’s groundbreaking outreach efforts,” said District Attorney Gascón. “Our office not only prosecutes hate crimes aggressively but also works tirelessly to educate the community and inspire the sort of understanding that can prevent future incidents. We understand the pain these crimes inflict on our communities, and we are dedicated to both justice and healing.”

Recent statistics underscore the alarming trend of hate crimes in California. Statewide, reported hate crime cases have more than doubled from 307 in 2016 to 679 in 2023. These heinous acts have infiltrated our schools, public spaces, and communities, threatening the sense of safety in our diverse state. Los Angeles County, which files more hate crime cases than any other county in California, remains resolute in its commitment to prosecuting these crimes and addressing their root causes.

“Meaningful consequences for those who commit hate crimes in our communities are a necessary part of the strategy for ensuring safety and a sense of belonging for all of us in a diverse LA County, so I applaud these hate crime convictions,” said Robin Toma, Executive Director of the L.A. County Commission on Human Relations, the agency that leads the countywide anti-hate program known as LA vs. Hate. “But I also applaud DA George Gascón for going farther: he joins our Commission and LA vs. Hate in supporting more programs that aim to use transformative educational experiences to change the thinking of those who have committed hate crimes, so they don’t continue to carry hate.

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August 19, 2024: District Attorney Gascón Announces Murder Charges in Actor Johnny Wactor Shooting Death

 

Johnny Wactor Press Conference image

 Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón today announced murder charges in the shooting death of actor Johnny Wactor, who was killed in May during a suspected catalytic converter theft attempt.

“Johnny Wactor’s life was senselessly taken while he was simply walking to his parked car in downtown Los Angeles. We are committed to seeking justice for Mr. Wactor and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable for their actions,” District Attorney Gascón said. “The loss of this talented young actor, who was in the prime of his life and had so much to offer the world, is deeply felt by all of us. Mr. Wactor’s work and presence touched the lives of many, and our hearts go out to his family, friends and the entire community who mourn this devastating loss.”

Mayor Karen Bass expressed her continued condolences to the Wactor family and the community mourning his loss.

“I want to thank the LAPD for their work and partnership throughout the investigation and for their continued efforts to keep Angelenos safe and to bring justice to victims of violence,” Mayor Bass said. “We must continue to take aggressive action to make our city safer. Those who commit crimes must be held fully responsible for their actions.”

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August 6, 2024: DA Gascón Announces Charges Against Man in Sexual Assault of Two Boys in Los Angeles County, Seeks Additional Victims

 

Sandoval News Conference

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced today that Andrew Sandoval of the city of South Gate is charged with allegedly sexually abusing two boys between November 2015 and this year within Los Angeles County.

Sandoval is currently in custody and investigators are seeking additional victims because his work history includes employment by dozens of schools and child care settings in Los Angeles County.

“The abhorrent nature of these crimes against children and the defendant’s employment in schools and childcare settings is of tremendous concern, and we are asking for anyone who may have additional information to come forward,” District Attorney Gascón said. “We’re committed to seeking justice, and the courage to come forward can ensure justice for those who have been harmed.”

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