Yearly Archives :

2022

Actor Danny Trejo is standing at a podium with Sheriff Luna Standing near by.
Bad Meds 1024 518 SIB Staff

Bad Meds

The Dangers of Counterfeit Pharmaceuticals

Today, Los Angeles County Sheriff Luna, Association for Safe Online Pharmacies, National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, Crimestoppers, LAPD, Homeland Security, HALT, The National Intellectual Property Rights Center, and Danny Trejo came together to bring awareness on counterfeit medicines that kill people daily.

Faux Movie poster: danny trejo is wearing a red vest, looking off to the distance. The poster reads in large red letters, "BAD MEDS".
PSA Poster

Counterfeit Pharmaceuticals are an ongoing problem, and everything must be done to protect the lives that are affected. The message that needs to be conveyed to the public is, “BAD MEDS KILL REAL PEOPLE.”

We want to encourage community members to make better decisions when buying their pharmaceuticals and to ensure they buy from legitimate sources to guarantee that the medicines they receive are authentic.

A Public Service Announcement starring actor Danny Trejo was created to connect with the public and spread awareness of counterfeit medicine’s dangers.

Alliance of Safe Online Pharmacies provided information during forensic lab testing revealing that four of every ten counterfeit pills contain a potentially lethal dose of harmful ingredients. In fact, according to The World Health Organization, more than one million deaths occur annually from counterfeit or substandard medicine and drugs. With the COVID-19 pandemic driving more than half of American consumers to purchase medicine online and 95% of the world’s 35,000 online pharmacies operating illegally, the risk of receiving “Bad Meds” is more significant than ever.

This is a serious issue for all of us and by coming together, we can save lives!

PSA

Report Counterfeit Pharmaceuticals

If you would like to report an instance of counterfeit pharmaceuticals, Please report it here:
REPORT COUNTERFEIT PHARMACEUTICALS – Form

Or you can remain anonymous by calling Los Angeles-Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS or by visiting lacrimestoppers.org.

Crimestoppers logo. silouette of the L A skyline with the word CRIME on the left and the word Stoppers in a black box under the city. Los Angeles Region. Submit a tip and stay anonymous. download the tips mobile app. lacrimestoppers.org. 800-222-8477.
Crime Stoppers Logo

Before You Buy, Verify. Beware of fraudulent and unsafe prescription medication sold on websites and social media platforms. Search for a website to see if it is safe or not recommended: https://safe.pharmacy/buy-safely/

LASD Sheriff's Department Logo
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LA County Sheriff’s Sergeant saves man from choking

LA County Sheriff’s Sergeant saves man from choking

On Tuesday, December 6, 2022, Sergeant Duncan was assigned to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s County Services Bureau and was patrolling an alley behind a Department of Public Social Services office in Los Angeles when he saw another Los Angeles County employee exit his van in distress. Sergeant Duncan saw the man’s face was red and was giving him the international sign for “choking” by signaling with his hand towards his neck.

Sergeant Duncan immediately got out of his patrol vehicle to render aid. Seeing the man was choking and could not breathe, Sergeant Duncan immediately applied the Heimlich maneuver. After about 5-6 thrusts, Sergeant Duncan was able to dislodge the food particles that obstructed the man’s airway. Once Sergeant Duncan ensured the victim’s airway was clear,  he asked the man if he needed medical assistance, but medical aid was refused. Sergeant Duncan monitored the man for 5-10 minutes before continuing to patrol his area. When describing the ordeal, Sergeant Duncan humbly said: “It was just me doing what any deputy would do.”

When notified about Sergeant Duncan’s heroic action, Sheriff Luna said,  “The quick response of Sergeant Duncan was another example of the extraordinary job the men and women of this Department provide to the citizens of LA County. Thank you Sergeant Duncan!”

According to Statista.com, anywhere from four to five thousand people die each year from choking. This all too common obstruction of a person’s airway can be caused by either food or, more commonly in children, small objects.  

If you want to know more about conscious choking and the Heimlich maneuver, please visit the National Library of Medicine at: https://medlineplus.gov/choking.html or your local red cross.  

Understanding the signs of choking and how to perform the Heimlich maneuver can mean the difference between life and serious injury or death.

SURVEILLANCE video

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Sheriff Luna Appoints Jill Torres as Interim Assistant Sheriff

Sheriff Luna Appoints Jill Torres as Interim Assistant Sheriff

Sheriff Robert Luna has appointed Jill Torres as interim Assistant Sheriff and Chief Financial and Administrative Officer, overseeing budgeting and personnel for the Department. Torres, formerly Serrano, previously served in the same capacity from May 2017 to December 2018.

After leaving the Department, Torres worked in the Los Angeles County Chief Executive Office and more recently in the Alameda County Administrator’s Office.  

“I’m very pleased that Assistant Sheriff Jill Torres is coming back to the Department to oversee the vital work of budgeting, personnel and administration,” said Sheriff Luna. “Assistant Sheriff Torres is trusted within our Department and across the County Government, and with her reputation for fiscal responsibility and experience in law enforcement and government administration, she will be a huge asset to our leadership team and the whole Department.”

“As a lifelong public servant, I have always believed that the noblest motive is the public good,” said Assistant Sheriff Torres. “I developed a great affinity for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the good people who work here when I previously served in this Department, and I’m now honored to have the opportunity to join Sheriff Luna’s administration. I believe in Sheriff Luna’s vision for the LASD and I don’t think there could be a more noble calling at this time than serving the people of LA County in this fine organization.”

In 2017, Torres was appointed as the Assistant Sheriff/Chief Financial and Administrative Officer. In this capacity, she oversaw the department’s Administrative and Technology Support Division, a division of more than 2,100 employees within the Technology and Support Division, Administrative Services Division and the Personnel Command. Together these units managed over 7.5 million square feet of facilities divided between patrol stations, custody facilities and offices, 6,800 vehicles and motors, 26,000 radios, and respond to over 12,000 crime scenes per year.  The Division managed contracts with 42 cities for law enforcement services, provided the department’s technology needs, managed the recruitment, hiring and labor relations for the departments 18,000 employees and developed and managed the department’s $3.3 billion budget. 

Prior to joining the Sheriff’s Department in 2017, Torres served 28 years with the County of San Diego in various management and executive level positions in criminal justice and public safety agencies, including 12 years as the Chief Financial Officer for the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.

Assistant Sheriff Torres served as a lecturer at San Diego State University in the undergraduate and graduate Criminal Justice and Public Administration programs. She was recognized as one of 50 Distinguished Alumni by San Diego State’s School of Public Affairs during the schools 50th anniversary.  She currently teaches in the POST Management Course. 

Torres earned a B.S. in Criminal Justice Administration and a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) from San Diego State University.  She is also a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP). 

She is married to John A. Torres, former Deputy Assistant Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Torres has one son, Nick Serrano, who she raised as a single parent.  Nick is the Deputy Chief of Staff to San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria.

Picture of Sheriff Luna in a blue suit and green print tie with a white shirt. standing infront of a podium in front of the hall of justice. A large banner of Luna is in the background hanging off of the columns of the building
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Sheriff Robert G. Luna Takes Charge of the LA County Sheriff’s Department

Sheriff Robert G. Luna Takes Charge of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

Sheriff Robert Luna arrived today at the Hall of Justice and held his first news conference on the front steps. Supported by countless Sheriff’s Department employees, Sheriff Luna outlined his plan for the Department and set the groundwork to foster a collaborative work environment with the rest of County Government. “Integrity is about treating people with respect and living up to the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics.” Sheriff Luna said, “Accountability is not something to be feared, but rather embraced, as it is the cornerstone to any successful law enforcement agency. All of us, starting with me, will be accountable to the people we serve. And collaboration is the best way to reduce crime and to work with our community in partnership.” Robert G. Luna was elected as the 34th Los Angeles County Sheriff on November 8, 2022, and sworn into office on December 3, 2022.  

In line with the County Charter, Sheriff Luna took command of the largest Sheriff’s Department in the United States on December 5, 2022, with nearly 18,000 budgeted sworn and professional staff, encompassing over 4,000 square miles and hundreds of miles of rail and busways. Sheriff Luna will also be responsible for managing the country’s largest county jail and court system and providing safety and security to county residents hiking in the Angeles National Forest. 

Managing large law enforcement organizations is nothing new for Sheriff Luna. In 2021, Sheriff Luna completed his service as Long Beach Chief of Police, capping a 36-year career at the Long Beach Police Department, the county’s second-largest police department. Sheriff Luna started as a Long Beach Police Department reserve officer in 1985 and was promoted within every rank of the Police Department. He was appointed Chief of Police in 2014. During his time as Chief of Police, he served on the Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA) executive board and Homeland Security Committee, and the Police Executive Leadership Institute (PELI) mentorship program. He also received various awards from organizations in Long Beach for his civic leadership and community engagement.  

Sheriff Luna is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) National Executive Institute and National Academy, Harvard University’s program for senior executives in state and local government, and the University of Southern California’s (USC) Delinquency Control Institute. In addition, Sheriff Luna holds a Master’s in Public Administration from California State University Long Beach.  

Throughout the weekend, Sheriff Luna addressed the guests and Department members with words of encouragement and hope, “To all you wearing the Tan and Green, I am forever indebted to you.” He continued to explain the importance of respect: “I talk about respect because this uniform and badge represent all the courage’s men and women of this Sheriff’s Department who everyday work on behalf of ten million residents in Los Angeles County, and it also represents the hundred and thirty-nine fallen Sheriff’s personnel that have made the ultimate sacrifice serving our communities here in Los Angeles County.” 

His overarching message to the residents of Los Angeles County is, “I have every confidence in the Sheriff’s Department that we will serve our residents of LA County to the best of our ability, and I look forward to serving with each and every one of you.” 

To view the Taking of Oath Ceremony please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqzuAMdxJTw

To view Sheriff Luna’s first day in office, please visit: https://fb.watch/hehr2NMTti/

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Publics assistance to locate the suspect responsible for the murder of a Veteran of the United States Army

Detectives ask for the public’s assistance to locate the suspect responsible for the murder of a Veteran of the United States Army

Press Conference

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Temple Station Deputies Save two Teens with Narcan
Image taken from body-worn camera footage of the rescue, showing deputies Duran, Cuevas, and Lopez administering Narcan to the two teenage boys.
Image taken from body-worn camera footage of the rescue, showing deputies Duran, Cuevas, and Lopez administering Narcan to the two teenage boys.

Two teenagers are alive today, thanks to Deputy Sheriffs assigned to Temple Station and Narcan.

On the evening of November 3, 2022, Deputies Duran, Cuevas, and Lopez responded to the 700 block of Betty Hill Drive, in the city of Duarte regarding a medical distress call. The call stated two 17-year-old teenagers were not breathing, and the family screaming for help could be heard in the background.

Deputies Duran, Cuevas, and Lopez were the first units to arrive at the residence. They found two teenage boys lying on a bedroom floor, unresponsive, with family members performing CPR. The Deputies immediately assessed both teenagers and saw they were not breathing. Believing the teenagers ingested Fentanyl or another type of opioid drug, the deputies administered three doses of Naloxone, also known as Narcan, to each teenager while simultaneously administering live-saving first aid/CPR. 

Within minutes, both teenagers began breathing, and Deputies were able to locate a pulse. Upon the arrival of the LA County Fire Department, both teenagers were transported to a hospital, where they were treated and subsequently released to their parents. Sheriff Alex Villanueva said, “If not for the swift, decisive action of these deputies, both young men would have become lives claimed by the opioid pandemic.”  

In the body-worn camera footage, depicted below, you can see the deputies arrive and effect the rescue.

Fentanyl is a pharmaceutical drug created to help patients with pain management. It is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more powerful than heroin. 

Fentanyl is one of the most dangerous and deadly substances ever produced. Illicit drug manufacturers and distributors discovered Fentanyl offers a very effective replacement filler or supplement to street-level drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine.

The best way to help combat the Fentanyl drug problem is through awareness and education. #LASD asks that you please take the time to educate your children and loved ones on the dangers of not just Fentanyl but all drugs! Remember, one wrong choice can cost you your life.  For more information on research, training, and topics about drug abuse, visit https://www.drugabuse.gov/. 

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Family Seeks public’s help to solve Murder of Donte Lee Johnson

Detectives and Family Members Seek the Public’s Help to Solve the Murder of Philadelphia Resident Donte Lee Johnson; $20,000 Reward

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Detectives held a press conference on Wednesday, November 2, 2022, to announce a $20,000 reward in exchange for information that will lead to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the murder of 30-year-old- Donte Lee Johnson. The reward was approved by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

On March 5, 2021, at approximately 2:09 p.m., Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) deputies responded to an assault with a deadly weapon, and gunshot victim call, at 609 N. Long Beach Boulevard, Compton, CA. Upon arrival, deputies found Donte Lee Johnson on the ground, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the upper torso. Unfortunately, the victim, Donte Lee Johnson, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Mr. Johnson, a resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was visiting friends to attend a social gathering in the City of Compton. Donte and his friends were at the location when they encountered the suspect, who produced a handgun and began firing in their direction. After the shooting, the suspect entered the rear passenger seat of an awaiting silver Chrysler PT Cruiser, which drove west on Elm Street from Long Beach Blvd. and out of view. The PT Cruiser was missing two hubcaps, had oxidation on the roof, and had a sticker on the lower left corner of the rear window. Investigators believe the shooting was gang-related and Donte was an innocent victim of the senseless act of violence.

Donte Lee Johnson’s younger brother was killed in 2011 in Philadelphia, and his mother, Movita Johnson-Harrell, created the CHARLES Foundation (Creating Healthy Alternatives Results in Less Emotional Suffering) in his memory. Donte advocated ending gun violence, speaking at events including the House of Representatives and the Senate. In his speeches, he would label himself as an “endangered species.” Donte and his family worked tirelessly so that other families would not experience the pain of losing a loved one to gun violence. In addition to fighting gun violence, Donte worked in the family business since the age of 16, caring for people with mental disabilities. He was a loving father to a 9-year-old girl and a 4-year-old-boy.

“My son came down the steps on March 4th, 2021, kissed me on my left cheek five times, looked me in my eyes and said, ‘mom, I love you. I’ll see you later,’ and the next time my son came home was in a box,” said Donte’s mom, Movita Johnson-Harrell.

Detectives believe there are witnesses in the area who may have seen or know the suspects’ identities. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477) or using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org/.

Press Conference

Sheriff Villanueva Announces arrest of LAw enforcement impersonator – Victims sought 1024 819 SIB Staff

Sheriff Villanueva Announces arrest of LAw enforcement impersonator – Victims sought

Sheriff Villanueva Announces Arrest of Law Enforcement Impersonator that Extorted Spanish Speaking Handymen

On Tuesday, November 1st, 2022, Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva along with Bellflower Detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Lakewood Station, held a press conference to announce the arrest of a law enforcement impersonator that targeted Spanish speakers to steal money from them.

In June of 2022, a victim went to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Station in Lakewood to report a theft. He stated he was a contractor and had a Spanish ad listing in “El Clasificado” for handyman work. The suspect contacted the victim to perform work on the suspect’s home located in the city of Bellflower. Sometime during the meeting, the suspect identified himself as an “LA Police Detective” and said he had access to confiscated and towed vehicles from the police department to sell. The suspect offered to sell the victim two hybrid vehicles for a $7,000.00 deposit via Zelle and another $7,000.00 once the vehicles were delivered. The victim never received the vehicles and the suspect ignored any calls from the victim.

On one occasion, the victim was able to get a hold of the suspect via cellphone and during the call, the suspect told the victim that he was a detective and if he didn’t want any problems, he should stay away.

Bellflower Detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Lakewood Station, in partnership with the cities of Lakewood, Paramount, Bellflower, Artesia and Hawaiian Gardens, started an investigation and on October 27, 2022, Bellflower Detectives authored a search warrant and arrested suspect Alejandro Martin at his residence. He was booked at Lakewood Station for theft by false pretense.

So far, eight victims have come forward with similar incidents totaling approximately over $100,000.000. On October 31st the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office filed charges of grand theft, attempted grand theft, and impersonating a peace officer. Martin was arrested in 2014 for impersonating a peace officer and grand theft.  He received three years of probation for the grand theft and the impersonation charge was dropped. In 2019, he was arrested again for impersonation, grand theft and felon in possession of a firearm. Once again, the impersonation charge was dropped but he did receive a sentence of two years and 8 months for the possession and grand theft charge.

All victims are Hispanic and Spanish speakers and are either handymen or did construction work and placed ads in “El Clasificado” to advertise their services. The suspect would use these advertisements to initiate contact with his victims.

Oftentimes, Spanish speakers are victims of crime and theft and they do not report incidents. Villanueva assured that the mission of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is to protect all County residents.

“We investigate crimes without asking about immigration status. Our focus is to protect everyone in the community. Witnesses and victims should not be afraid to report crimes because they fear deportation. We have a responsibility to respect due process rights for all and to protect our community,” said Sheriff Villanueva.

Any possible theft victims of Alejandro Martin are encouraged to contact Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Detective Gallegos at 562-925-0124 ext. 2541.

Press Conference Video

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Coffee with the Sheriff
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TSB Coffee with the Sheriff

Coffee with the Sheriff

Tuesday, October 25, 2022 – 7:00am – 10:00am

Santa Monica Downtown – 4th St. Metro Station, 402 Colorado Ave. Santa Monica

Join Sheriff Alex Villanueva and LASD Transit Services Bureau Captain Shawn Kehoe for some free coffee and pastries, and an opportunity to chat with them and your Sheriff’s transit policing team.

We’ll also have transit rider safety info and items for the kids.

For more info:
Instagram: @lasdtransit
Facebook: LAD Transit Services Bureau
Twitter: @TransitLASD

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Press Conference regarding public corruption in Los Angeles County

Press Conference regarding public corruption in Los Angeles County

On Wednesday, October 19, 2022, Sheriff Alex Villanueva held a press conference to discuss public corruption in Los Angeles County and its relationship with the leaked tape of the Los Angeles Council members. The now infamous audio revealed racist, hurtful remarks but it also brought to light concerning issues that are not getting as much attention. 

In the audio from the the notorious meeting, Nury Martinez talks about getting a phone call from LA County Supervisor Hilda Solis to help her get votes. “When she calls me about that _____, it’s because she wants me to help her get the votes. And I’m like, what? I’m not involving myself in your sham”, says Martinez. 

The council members also discuss Measure H, the ¼-cent sales tax approved by Los Angeles County voters to prevent and address homelessness countywide, they question what former Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas did about homelessness. “You tell me what measure H has done? You tell me how many detox beds, how many mental facilities. You tell me, where are those beds that this tax was supposed to do?” says Martinez. Kevin de León adds that Riddley-Thomas “did nothing for 10 years.” 

In a secondary clip from September 2022, former LA County Labor President Ron Herrera and Hanna Cho, an aide who previously worked with Mitch O’Farrell (now acting council president since Martinez resigned) discuss buying endorsements from Democratic Clubs. “We need to buy some of these larger clubs, we just need to buy them up. And then just take over them. And he’s like a lot of them are cheap. I don’t see why we can’t do that. LACYD, like the Young Dems, that’s the one you do need to buy. The LGBT one? You need to buy them off,” says Cho during the back-door negotiations. 

“This is what we know, what do we not know? What conversations are going on behind closed doors with all the City Council and the Board of Supervisors trying to lever each other’s positions, basically to game it to their advantage. A sad moment for all the community,” said Villanueva.   

In other news, former Assistant Sheriff Robin Limon was supposed to testify in a deposition to her lawsuit but decided not to do it. To further point out that lawsuits are being used to work against his election, he touched on the latest lawsuit by Lieutenant Joseph Garrido and pointed out that Garrido witnessed alleged misconduct and did not do anything until he was under investigation.   

On Monday October 17, 2022, County Council went to court to try to enforce the subpoenas from the Oversight Commission and admitted to the judge that they wanted to squeeze two more before the elections, acknowledging that everything is done to influence the elections. 

He concluded the press conference by addressing an incident that happened on Sunday, October 16, 2022, where South Los Angeles deputies were involved in a use of force incident with an armed suspect in the city of Inglewood. The suspect had a previous traumatic injury which he sustained in an unrelated incident prior to contact with LASD deputies. The suspect is a convicted felon and was arrested for being in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of ammunition, possession of (loaded) concealed firearm, assault on a peace officer with a firearm. The incident gained traction on social media but Sheriff Villanueva made everyone aware that the use of force is being investigated and appropriate action will be taken based on the results of the investigation. 

Press Conference Video

Press Conference Material

Slides for Press Conference – PDF

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