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October 6, 2021: Hate Crimes Unit to Launch Restorative Justice Project

With a $200,000 federal grant, LADA will launch an innovative two-year, post-conviction pilot project that aims to curtail hate crimes and xenophobia at a time when such crimes have surged.

"Whether it's the AAPI, Jewish or LGBTQ community, this is a cutting-edge approach to protecting specific communities being targeted with crimes of violence or crimes of property," said Deputy District Attorney Paul Kim, who secured the funds from the Department of Homeland Security.Read more...

September 16, 2021: LADA Joins County's Anti-Racism Initiative

As part of a countywide initiative, LADA is taking a deeper look into how the work of the office impacts the community.

Seven prosecutors are participating the county’s Anti-Racism, Diversity and Inclusion Initiative (ARDI), which will guide and increase the county’s commitment to fighting racism and bolstering inclusivity.

“The work that we do intersects with mental health issues and economic justice in terms of jobs people can get after their incarceration,” said Deputy District Attorney Kim Toney. “It affects housing, education. What we do has broader implications.”Read more...

August 16, 2021: Montgomery Honored for Project LEAD Dedication

Congratulations to Deputy District Attorney Melita Montgomery who was named Project LEAD Facilitator of the Year.

Montgomery has volunteered to teach students the office’s law-related educational program since 1995. Most recently, the Antelope Valley Branch Office prosecutor taught students in Lancaster.Read more...

July 13, 2021: Deputy District Attorney Sisak Certified in Advanced Cybersecurity

Deputy District Attorney Luke Sisak, of the Cyber Crimes Division, has received a cybersecurity certification that will benefit the prosecution of complex high-tech cases.

Sisak recently completed a Global Information Security Fundamentals (GISF) course that provides training in the technical aspects of computers and networking. The certification is rare among lawyers.

He said the training is beneficial when reviewing investigators' findings in complex cases involving online threats, wire fraud and cryptocurrency.Read more...

June 10, 2021: Child Abduction Unit Reunites Father, Daughter

Clutching a fuzzy stuffed bunny, the 5-year-old girl peered at her father she had not seen since she was 2. His worries that she wouldn't remember him quickly vanished.

“I love you, daddy,” she said before rushing into his arms.

“I broke out in tears,” Herb Legall III said, recounting the April 29 reunion. “It was an awesome moment, and one I had been waiting for, for years.”

The successful reunion was the result of the hard work of the office’s Child Abduction Unit. Senior Investigator Jennifer Martin led the case. Sgt. Andy Le and Senior Investigator Claudia Rodriguera, who comprise the unit with Martin were at the recovery, along with Senior Investigators Steve Lasiter, Bob Anderson, Vince Albo and Lou Santaella.Read more...

June 8, 2021: POALAC Honors District Attorney Employees

Congratulations to the deputy district attorneys, investigators and support staff members who were honored recently by the Peace Officers Association of Los Angeles County (POALAC).

The honorees were recognized for outstanding investigative work, untangling a multilayered fraud scheme, aiding in a cold case murder probe and organizing a training program designed to improve the safety of first responders and people living with mental illness.Read more...

June 7, 2021: D.A. Investigator Recognized for Military Service

Senior Investigator Edgar Murguia was honored May 29 by Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger at her annual Tribute to Veterans and Military Families.

Murguia served in the United States Marine Corps from 1996 to 2004. He was a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy before joining LADA in 2007.

“This is a well-earned recognition for Senior Investigator Murguia,” said District Attorney George Gascón. “His bravery and his service to our country deserve the respect of everyone in the office. We greatly appreciate the many sacrifices he and his family have made for our country.”Read more...

May 5, 2021: Prosecutors Craft Juvenile Three Strikes Reform Legislation

To Deputy District Attorney Michael Mallano, it just seemed wrong for youths to face California’s Three Strikes Law without being given the same rights as adults.

So Mallano and Deputy District Attorney Katharine Yaske proposed a way to right that wrong.

With the assistance of Special Advisor Alisa Blair and the office’s Legislative Advocate Daniel Felizzatto, they drafted legislation that would stop strikes committed by minors from later being used against them in adult proceedings.Read more...

March 24, 2021: Prosecutors Receive Anti-Defamation League Award

Deputy District Attorneys John Chang and Reginald Neal were recognized by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) of Los Angeles.

The prosecutors received the ADL’s Helene and Joseph Sherwood Prize, which honors law enforcement professionals who work to protect the community from crimes related to hate. The presentation was made in a March 9 video ceremony.Read more...

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