News Releases & Advisories

October 2, 2024: Governor Gavin Newsom Signs Five LADA-Sponsored Public Safety Bills Into Law

LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced today that California Governor Gavin Newsom signed five LADA-sponsored bills into law during the 2024 legislative session. The laws are designed to prevent gun violence in incidents of domestic violence, stalking, or elder abuse; expressly criminalize AI revenge porn and AI child pornography; and protect kids and adults from sexually explicit deepfakes on social media.

October 2, 2024: Shawn Laval Smith Sentenced to Life in Prison without Parole for Murder of UCLA Student Brianna Kupfer

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced that Shawn Laval Smith was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of 24-year-old UCLA graduate student Brianna Kupfer while she worked at a furniture store in the neighborhood of Hancock Park in 2022. 

October 2, 2024: DA Gascón Announces Charges Against Retired Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy in Sexual Assault of Minor

LANCASTER, CA - Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced today that retired Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Benny Vincente Caluya, Jr. is charged with allegedly sexually assaulting a teenage girl in August in the city of Lancaster. Caluya and a second man, Clifford Leimana Abihai, also are charged with providing methamphetamine to the minor.

October 1, 2024: Statement from DA Gascón on the Placement of Sexually Violent Predator Christopher Hubbart Following Today’s Court Hearing

LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced in September that Christopher Hubbart will be released from the Department of State Hospitals (DSH) and potentially placed in the Antelope Valley per the DSH’s recommendation.