Inside LADA

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.”

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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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