LASDHQ

Family Seeks public’s help to solve Murder of Donte Lee Johnson 768 1024 SIB Staff

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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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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Audio Clip – 2

Audio Clip – 3

Audio Clip – 3a

Audio Clip – 4

Box of candy open revealing small round pills. Instead of choclate candy that is depicted on the box.
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Fentanyl Packaged in Candy

On October 19, 2022, at approximately 0730 hours, LA County Sheriff’s Narcotics Bureau Detectives and Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) agents assigned to a task force at the Los Angeles International Airport seized approximately 12,000 suspected fentanyl pills.

The suspect attempted to go through TSA screening with several bags of candy and miscellaneous snacks with the intent of boarding a plane.  However, it was discovered that inside the “Sweetarts”, “Skittles”, and “Whoppers” candy boxes were fentanyl pills and not  candy.  The suspect fled prior to being detained by law enforcement but has been identified and the investigation is on-going.

Bag of different types of candy.
Bag of skittles with round blue pill instead of candy.
Package of candy.
Package of sealed candy.

With Halloween approaching, parents need to make sure they are checking their kids candy and not allowing them to eat anything until it has been inspected by them.  If you find anything in candy boxes that you believe might be narcotics, do not touch it and immediately notify your local law enforcement agency. 

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South LA Deputies Arrest Felon with a Firearm

Additional Witnesses Sought – South LA Deputies Arrest Felon with a Firearm.

On Sunday, October 16, 2022, South Los Angeles deputies were involved in a use of force incident with an armed suspect in the city of Inglewood. The suspect, Blake Anderson, was subsequently arrested for the following charges: felon in possession of firearm, felon in possession of ammunition, possession of (loaded) concealed firearm, assault on a peace officer with a firearm.

Black chest bag with elastic band.
Satchel that contained firearm.
photo of Blake Anderson.
Suspect: Blake Anderson

Suspect Anderson sustained minor injuries during the use of force. He was transported to a hospital for treatment and medically cleared for booking. It should be noted Suspect Anderson had a previous traumatic injury which he sustained in an unrelated incident prior to contact with Deputies.

Due to the ongoing investigation, we are unable to provide additional information.

Anyone who witnessed the arrest is encouraged to call the South Los Angeles Sheriff’s Station (323) 820-6700) to provide information to investigators.

UPDATE: Suspect Anderson was on active parole at the time of his arrest, is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms, and was not an employee of the “Good Batch Hookah Lounge.”  The initial contact and force used in this incident is concerning and is being reviewed.  Depending on the outcome, proper administrative action will result. 

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Passing of Retired Executive Officer Raymond Leyva

The Office of the Sheriff is saddened to announce the passing of retired Executive Officer Raymond Leyva.  Mr. Leyva passed away on Wednesday, October 12, 2022. 

Ray Leyva began his career as a reserve officer with the Los Angeles Police Department in 1975, leaving the LAPD to work as a police officer for the Burbank Police Department in 1976, before transferring to the Sheriff’s Department in 1981.  He served as a Deputy Sheriff at Men’s Central Jail, Sybil Brand Institute for Women, and Firestone and Marina Del Rey stations before promoting to Sergeant in 1985.  As a Sergeant, he worked at multiple stations as well as Custody Division Headquarters.  Upon his promotion to Lieutenant in 1990, he was assigned to the Office of the Undersheriff, East Los Angeles Station, North County Correctional Facility, East Facility, Recruit Training Bureau, Custody Division Headquarters and Sheriff’s Headquarters Bureau.

In August of 1999, he was promoted to Captain of Court Services West Bureau.  In 2001, he was transferred to Sheriff’s Headquarters Bureau with responsibilities involving the Office of the Sheriff and all media interaction for the Department.  In 2003, he was placed in command of Men’s Central Jail and in 2004, was transferred to Pitchess Detention Center North Facility.  In March 2010, he was moved to the Pitchess Detention Center East Facility.

In 2012, Mr. Leyva was promoted to the position of Commander and assigned to Field Operations Region I, where he supervised patrol stations located in northern Los Angeles County.  In 2013, the Department reorganized and he was reassigned to North Patrol Division.  His responsibilities included managing the budget and personnel needs of the Division along with other administrative duties.

In 2016, he retired from the Department as a Commander after 35 years of service.  In 2018, he accepted an offer to return to the Department as an Executive Officer, performing the duties of the Undersheriff. 

Mr.  Leyva held both a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from California State University Los Angeles and Pepperdine University, respectively.  He graduated from several leadership programs throughout the country and taught “Train the Trainer” courses nationwide in the area of Analytical Interviewing.  Mr. Leyva had extensive training in Emergency Management protocols and completed the Tactical Science Course involving Disaster and Crime Scene Management.  He served as the HAPCOA representative to the Department of Homeland Security and assisted numerous agencies nationwide in the selection of supervisory and management personnel.

Mr. Leyva was a Past-National President of the Hispanic American Police Command Officers Association, Past-President of the Southern California Chapter of HAPCOA, Past-President and Board Member of the Los Angeles County Chicano Employees Association, Board Member of the Professional Peace Officers Association (PPOA), as well as a member of several other Law Enforcement Associations. 

The Sheriff’s Department extends our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the Leyva family.  Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.

– Sheriff Alex Villanueva

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Street Racing

Keep it safe. Keep it legal. Keep it on the track.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has created a new Public Service Announcement to address the rise in street racing takeovers, and let drivers know that there are safe, legal alternatives to the deadly takeover events that have been proliferating throughout Los Angeles County. 

There are many racing venues throughout Southern California where drivers can participate in drifting and drag racing events, in front of large crowds, and as part of a vibrant car community. The LASD asks drivers to stick to these venues, rather than contribute to the needless injuries and fatalities that continue to occur at illegal street takeovers.

Southern California Racing Venues

  • Irwindale Speedway
  • Apple Valley Speedway
  • Willow Springs Raceway
  • Auto Club Speedway
  • Barona Speedway
  • Famoso Dragstrip
  • Chuckwalla Valley Raceway
  • Adams Motorsports Park

Remembering 9/11, image of two lights rising up from the Night time New York Sky line.
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Remembering 9/11

Twenty-one years ago, our world was drastically changed on September 11, 2001, when the United States was cowardly and viciously attacked by terrorists. In the span of a few moments, our nation’s history was redefined, and the scar of those tragic events will remain etched in our minds forever. 

Over three thousand American lives were lost that day, and many more continue to die due to illnesses they have developed over the years from that fateful morning. Today we honor their memory and pray that their families and loved ones find peace.

Today, we remember our heroes; the first responders who ran up the World Trade Center (Twin Towers) stairs. The first responders who went up the many levels of stairs to help people. With 40-plus pounds of equipment and fear in their eyes, they ran up those stairs into the unknown. Imagine, as innocent people ran down the stairs, those first responders kept running up. Not knowing what would come next, those first responders sacrificed their lives to help as many as possible and never got a chance to say goodbye to their families. Many heroes were lost that day and in the days to come. 

In the aftermath of September 11, the phrase, ‘Never Forget,” became a symbol. It is now a symbol that reminds all Americans never to forget those we lost. In memory of many, in honor of all, let’s stand united and never forget.

information wanted poster. Attempt to Identify.
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Help to Identify Suspect for the Death of a Metro Passenger  

Detectives and Family Members Need the Public’s Help to Identify a Suspect Responsible for the Death of a Metro Blue Line Passenger  

On Friday, September 9, 2022, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Detectives and Oscar Ayala’s family members asked for the public’s help in identifying the suspect responsible for his death.

On Sunday, March 13, 2022, Oscar Ayala was riding the south-bound Blue Line train at about 5:55 p.m. The suspect was riding the same train. Both the victim and the suspect exited the train at the Compton Blue Line Station. There is no indication that they knew each other but as they walked towards the exit, they appeared to be talking. Just beyond the station turnstiles, the suspect assaulted Oscar who fell to the ground. The suspect then rifled through the victim’s pockets, took his cellphone and walked away northbound from the train station.

Compton Fire Department paramedics responded and transported Oscar to the hospital where several days later he succumbed to his injuries.

Oscar was a native of South Los Angeles and grew up near the Los Angeles Coliseum. Two years prior to his death, he moved to Compton. He was passionate about soccer and practiced the sport with his dad since he was a little boy. He graduated from Manual Arts Senior High School in Los Angeles and then attended California State University, Northridge where he majored in Botany. Oscar’s love of his life was his one-year-old boy.       

“He can hurt someone else the same way he hurt my boy, that’s why my family is asking for the public’s help to find this man so he doesn’t hurt others and my boy can rest in peace because he is also asking for help to find the man that took his life. The day of his funeral… so many people went, so many people knew him, he had so many friends, he was a good boy,” sobbed Oscar’s mom, Maria Ayala.    

Investigators have exhausted all leads in trying to determine the suspect’s identity and are asking for the public’s help to identify him. Anyone with information is urged to contact 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

black and white image of a person with their hands folded over their face. words accross the top read "you are not alone". The next line reads " Suicide Revention Resources".
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World Suicide Prevention Day

Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or background. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, it is one of the leading causes of death in the United States and continues to be on the rise. On #WorldSuicidePreventionDay, our goal is to raise awareness and hope that the information we provide can help prevent a tragedy from happening.

Recognizing the warning signs and understanding how to respond, can help prevent suicides.  Depression, financial problems, abuse, aggression, exploitation, or a life-changing event, can contribute to feelings of pain, despair, and hopelessness. If you or someone you love are in a crisis and suffer from depression, please don’t wait. Help is available, all you have to do is one of the following: 

•       Call 911

•       Go to the nearest hospital

•       Call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 on your smartphone or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for free confidential emotional support. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week throughout the United States. 

•       Contact the Crisis Text Line by texting the word HELLO to 741741

•       Lifeline counselors are available for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing by dialing the 988 number.

•       Veterans and service members, the Veterans Crisis Line has crisis line responder readily available to help by texting 838255.

Visit the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline website for more: https://988lifeline.org/