Inside LADA

March 14, 2024: District Attorney Gascón Announces Exoneration of Man Wrongfully Convicted of a South L.A. Murder in 2005

 

District Attorney Gascón Announces Exoneration of Man Wrongfully Convicted of a South L.A. Murder in 2005

LOS ANGELES, CA — Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced today the exoneration and release of Stephen Patterson, who spent nearly two decades in prison for a South L.A. murder in 2005 he did not commit.

“In this era of progress, it’s crucial to acknowledge the imperfections of our past and actively work to correct those wrongs,” District Attorney Gascón said. “It’s our responsibility that no family is torn apart by a miscarriage of justice, and no community is left with the actual perpetrator roaming their streets. Our office’s Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU) is dedicated to meticulously reviewing cases and collaborating to uncover the truth and increase public safety.”

 Michael Semanchik, executive director of The Innocence Center, said he was thrilled that Patterson has been exonerated.

“Stephen has always maintained his innocence. Unfortunately, his wrongful conviction was the product of a single bad eyewitness identification and shoddy police work,” Semanchik said. “We are lucky to have a great working relationship with the CIU. Not only did it allow us to free an innocent person, but together, we identified the true perpetrators.”

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March 14, 2024: George Gascón Launches First Interfaith Advisory Board in LA County District Attorney History

 

Interfaith Advisory Board Inauguration

LOS ANGELES, CA — Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced today the creation of the office’s first-ever Interfaith Advisory Board. The Interfaith Advisory Board is the sixth advisory board Gascón formed since he took office in December 2020. The advisory boards provide a space for open dialogue with an eye towards creating a more inclusive, safer, and trusting relationship with communities countywide.

“Faith-based organizations have long been at the forefront of social justice movements, advocating for the rights of marginalized and underserved populations,” District Attorney Gascón said. “Our County is a rich tapestry of cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds, and it’s imperative that our criminal justice system reflects and respects this diversity.

“Our first-ever Interfaith Advisory Board comes at a time when religious racism, discrimination, and hate crimes are still prevalent throughout our communities and the nation. Our new board will advise my office on policies and practices that promote fairness, inclusivity, and cultural competency.”

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March 5, 2024: District Attorney Gascón Announces Charges Against Man Who Killed Three Women in a DUI Crash in Pomona

 

Pomona DUI Crash News Conference

POMONA, CA – Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón today announced charges against Victor Siharath after he allegedly ran a red light while driving intoxicated and hit a vehicle, killing three women and injuring two others, including a child, on Saturday, March 2, in Pomona.

“There are no words to express the heartbreak that Mr. Siharath’s actions have caused these victims’ families and community,” District Attorney Gascón said. “Our hearts go out to the grieving families and the survivors as they attempt to cope with this unimaginable tragedy. Those who choose to jeopardize themselves and others by driving under the influence will face swift legal consequences. There is nothing that can bring back the countless lives lost to speeding and drunk driving, but our office will continue to hold those responsible.”

“I am pleased that the District Attorney’s Office is aggressively pursuing charges on this matter,”  Pomona Mayor Tim Sandoval said. “Driving under the influence is 100% preventable.  Individuals who ignore the law need to understand that there are repercussions for their senseless actions, that often result in tragedy, pain and loss to the victims’ families and our community.”   

“The actions and choices of a DUI driver on March 2nd took the lives of three innocent people and severely injured two others,” Pomona Police Chief Michael Ellis said.  “The Pomona Police Department mourns with our community and the families of the victims. Pomona PD is conducting the criminal investigation for this incident, and murder charges are being filed. We are committed to enforcing DUI laws in Pomona and will work with the District Attorney’s Office to ensure justice in this case.” 

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February 28, 2024: District Attorney Gascón Announces Exonerations of Two Men Wrongfully Convicted of Murder in Los Angeles

 

Exoneration News Conference

LOS ANGELES -- Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced today the exonerations and release of Jofama Coleman and Abel Soto, each of whom spent two decades in prison for a murder they did not commit in May 2003.

“Jofama Coleman and Abel Soto were wrongfully convicted and imprisoned for a murder they did not commit,” District Attorney Gascón said. “Our hearts also go out to Jose Robles’ family, who have suffered immeasurably through this tragedy and injustice. To everyone impacted, we offer not just words of regret, but a solemn promise of our unwavering pursuit of truth and justice. This ordeal underscores my office’s relentless dedication, through our Conviction Integrity and Habeas units, to righting the wrongs of the past. Together, we forge ahead in our quest for justice, acknowledging the pain endured but steadfast in our resolve.”

Ellen Eggers, an attorney for Mr. Coleman and Mr. Soto, said, “Jofama Coleman and Abel Soto are my heroes, never faltering in their quest for justice. Jofama transformed his cell into a classroom to master the law itself. Their indomitable spirit, coupled with Jessica Jacobs’ essential support, unraveled the truth that set them free. I’m grateful to Head Deputy Juan Mejia, Supervising DA Amy Wilton, and the extraordinary DDA Lara Bazan, whose diligent and insightful efforts paved the way for swift justice. Finally, I am deeply grateful to District Attorney George Gascón for righting this profound wrong. Today is a testament to the power of unwavering resolve and the relentless pursuit of justice.”

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February 15, 2024: District Attorney George Gascón Announces Charges in Murderous Crime Spree That Killed Four in Southeast Los Angeles

 

District Attorney George Gascón Announces Charges in Murderous Crime Spree That Killed Four in Southeast Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, CA – Today, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced that Gary Garcia Jr. and Timberland McKneely have been charged with murdering four people, three men and a child, and attempting to murder two others, including a child, between February 11 and 12 in the cities of Bell, Cudahy, Huntington Park, and unincorporated Los Angeles.

“In the face of this devastating crime spree that claimed the lives of four innocent people, including a child, my heart aches for the victims and their grieving families,” District Attorney Gascón said. “Multiple communities have been terrorized by these men’s callous, cruel, and cold-hearted actions. This senseless violence will not go unanswered by the scales of justice. Our Major Crimes Division is working tirelessly to hold these two men accountable and to bring justice to the victims and their families.”

“I applaud the District Attorney for taking swift and decisive action in filing murder charges against these two gang members responsible for the heinous murders of four innocent people including a teenager,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn, Fourth District. “Families across Southeast Los Angeles are grieving, and communities are still shaken by the terror created by this senseless rampage. Nothing we can do will make these families whole again, but these men must be held accountable for the pain they caused and the lives they stole.”

“Homicide detectives and multiple Department resources worked around the clock to identify and arrest the suspects who were threatening the safety of our communities and involved in these senseless murders,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Captain Andy Meyer. “We hope that bringing these individuals to justice will provide some comfort to the families who have lost loved ones and it also sends a clear message that if you commit a crime regardless of law-enforcement jurisdiction, you will be caught and held accountable.”

“These senseless acts of violence are unfortunate and send shockwaves throughout our communities,” said Huntington Park Police Chief Cosme Lozano. “We will continue to work in partnership with the Sheriff’s Department and District Attorney’s Office to prosecute those responsible, bring justice to the families who have suffered tremendous loss, and to restore peace and confidence in our community. The victims and families affected by this terrible tragedy deserve our relentless support, so that we can ensure that the power of the justice system will ensure these criminals spend the rest of their life in prison”.

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February 1, 2024: District Attorney Gascón Announces Nearly 200 Cases Filed to Combat Organized Retail Theft in Los Angeles County

 

District Attorney Gascón Announces Nearly 200 Cases Filed to Combat Organized Retail Theft in Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón today announced that nearly 200 organized retail theft cases involving adult and juvenile defendants have been filed by the office.

These cases were filed through the efforts of the regional organized retail task forces which is comprised of regional law enforcement agencies and the District Attorney’s Office partnering together to prosecute these crimes.

“Organized retail theft is not a victimless crime, it harms our community’s sense of security while shopping at these retailers, and the ability for local businesses to succeed,” District Attorney Gascón said. “When we saw a rise in organized retail theft crimes, I committed to holding these individuals accountable. Through my partnership with the Organized Retail Theft Task Force, we have been able to track down many of the offenders and bring them to justice.

We want businesses to succeed and for Angelenos to feel safe while they’re out in public. Filing these cases is just the beginning of my office’s work toward deterring these types of crimes in order to make Los Angeles County a safer place.”

“Organized retail theft stole the feeling of safety and security from Angelino’s and business owners alike last year,” said LAPD Chief Michel Moore. “This regional organized retail theft task force has restored much of this, although, there is work still to be done.  I am proud of the hard work and dedication to public safety of those not only from the Los Angeles Police Department, but our partnering agencies as well. As public servants, we cannot work in silos; we cannot work alone. Public safety belongs to all of us.”

“The Sheriff’s Organized Retail Crimes Task Force in collaboration with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office and our partner law enforcement agencies are continuing to work tirelessly to tackle these brazen smash-and-grabs that are having a significant impact on our business communities,” said LASD Major Crimes Bureau Acting Captain Rob Peacock. “Since inception of our task force, we have arrested 438 suspects related to retail theft and 309 cases have been successfully filed. We are not only focused on the individuals responsible for the thefts, but those that are in the criminal chain—the getaway drivers, those that harbor them, and those that sell the stolen merchandise. These individuals need to understand that there will be consequences—we will use all our resources to identify, pursue, and arrest these suspects.” 

“WSS acknowledges and supports the vital efforts of the Organized Retail Theft Task Force and the District Attorney’s Office in combating organized retail theft, which detrimentally affects neighborhood security and local businesses. We remain committed to collaborating with law enforcement to deter and prosecute these crimes,” Blanca Gonzalez, senior vice president and general manager, Warehouse Shoe Sale.

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January 12, 2024: District Attorney Gascón Announces Conviction of Sheriff’s Deputy in Fatal On-Duty Shooting

 

DA Gascon Announces Conviction of Sheriff's Deputy in Fatal Shooting

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón today announced that a former Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy was convicted in the 2019 on-duty fatal shooting of an unarmed man, Ryan Twyman, in his vehicle in the city of Willowbrook.

“Today, justice has been served for Mr. Twyman’s family who have spent years mourning the loss of their loved one,” District Attorney Gascón said. “This verdict reflects my office’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that every individual, regardless of their profession, is held accountable for their actions.

I would like to commend the dedicated efforts of my office’s Justice System Integrity Division who worked tirelessly to prosecute this case. This conviction sends a strong message that no one is above the law. Our aim is not to undermine the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers who serve our communities. However, accountability is paramount to maintaining public trust and ensuring that the principles of justice are upheld.”

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January 9, 2024: District Attorney Gascón Announces Charges in Sexual Assault Cases in Culver City and Long Beach

 

DA Gascon Announces Charges in Sexual Assault Cases

Today Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón, alongside Culver City Police Chief Jason Sims and Long Beach Police Deputy Chief of Investigations Don Mauk, announced felony charges in two separate cases.

In the first case, out of Culver City, Marcos Maldonado was charged with sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl in her Culver City home. In the second case, out of Long Beach, Martin Lopez was charged with impersonating a police officer and sexually assaulting and attempting to kidnap a woman.

“These two cases demonstrate how partnerships between my office and our local law enforcement agencies can result in getting dangerous individuals off the street,” District Attorney Gascón said. “I am committed to prosecuting cases involving sexual violence, especially when they target some of our most vulnerable community members, including children. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families during this unimaginably difficult time.

My office’s Bureau of Victim Services is readily available to provide trauma-informed support and services to the victims and their families. I also have full confidence in my office’s Sex Crimes Division that they will spare no effort in ensuring the individuals responsible are held accountable for these appalling crimes.”

“From the day this disturbing and tragic crime occurred, Culver City Police Department Investigators have worked tirelessly to solve this case,” City of Culver City Police Chief Jason Sims said. “I want to thank all our partners who worked alongside our detectives to ensure this suspect was identified and located as quickly as possible. Thank you to the LA Impact Task Force, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Crime Lab, the UCLA Santa Monica Rape Treatment Center, and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for your partnership. I also want to thank the Culver City community, particularly the Blair Hills neighborhood for the continued support of the dedicated men and women of the Culver City Police Department who have worked diligently to seek justice for the victim in this case. We will continue to work in close collaboration with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office through the successful prosecution of this suspect.”

“Our personnel work tirelessly to keep Long Beach safe and to hold suspects responsible for crime committed in our city,” said Long Beach Chief of Police Wally Hebeish. “This arrest is a testament to our commitment to bringing justice to victims and getting dangerous suspects out of our community. We urge anyone who may have also been a victim of this suspect to please come forward and we stand ready to assist the District Attorney in the prosecution of this case.” 

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