Press Conference

Sheriff Robert Luna Standing in uniform answering questions from media.
East Los Angeles Sexual Assault Suspect arrested 1024 945 SIB Staff

East Los Angeles Sexual Assault Suspect arrested

Sheriff Luna and others Discuss the Details Surrounding the Apprehension and Arrest of the East Los Angeles Sexual Assault Suspect

On July 15, 2023, at 0613 hours East LA Station deputies were dispatched to a call of an elderly woman who had just been assaulted.  In that case the victim was a FH/67.  The incident occurred on the 1000 block of Fraser Avenue, East LA.

Within 72 hours, East Los Angeles Station detectives worked with LAPD detectives regarding two similar cases they were investigating and obtained possible suspect information.

On July 18, the suspect was identified in the original case out of East LA Station.  A public safety flyer was distributed to local media outlets as detectives were serving search warrants at possible locations for the suspect.

Big Red Words read "In Custody". Special Bullitin: Wanted poster with image of a man walking on the street, image from a house camera.

While investigating the case, detectives discovered a 2nd possible case involving the same suspect.  In that case a FH/84 was assaulted and robbed of her car keys in the 5200 block of Via Corona St, East LA.   This case also happened on 07-15-23, at approximately 0650 hours. Detectives from East Los Angeles Station were able to identify Suspect Garcia in that case as well.

The suspect came back on 07-16-23 at approximately 0345 hours and took the victim’s vehicle from when he stole the keys the previous day. Suspect Garcia ultimately crashed that vehicle on 07-16-23 at approximately 0850 hours near the 10 Freeway and Western Avenue. 

A third victim came forward after seeing the wanted flyer that was on local news channels. That case happened on July 10th at 0645 hour in the 1200 block of south Woods Avenue, East LA.  The victim in that case was a FH/55, who was sexually assaulted by the suspect.  Detectives were able to get Suspect Garcia identified as the suspect in that case as well.

East LA Station Detectives began working with detectives from Operation Safe Streets Bureau in an attempt to locate the suspect.  Information was developed, that shortly after committing these crimes, the suspect fled to Mexico.

East LA Station detectives met with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office and all 3 cases were filed against the suspect.

Operation Safe Streets Bureau detectives coordinated with agents from the United States Marshal’s Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Task Force. Information was developed of the suspect’s possible whereabouts in Mexico.

On 07-25-23, at approximately 1630 hours, Suspect Garcia was in Tijuana, Mexico.  Suspect Garcia was apprehended by Mexican authorities through collaborated information from U.S. Marshals Mexico Foreign Field Office and Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Task Force. He was then transported to Los Angeles County and booked at East LA Station.

Suspect Garcia is facing the following charges:  Attempt Murder, Robbery, Assault with the Intent to Commit Rape, and Penetration with a Foreign Object stemming from the 3 cases.

His bail is currently $4,060,000.

Additionally, East LA Detectives learned of a 4th victim.  In that case, which occurred on 07-15-23 at approximately 0609 hours, Suspect Garcia carjacked a vehicle with FH/33 inside of it.  After only driving a short distance, he exited the vehicle and fled, and shortly after committed the assault on Via Corona.  This incident happened in the 5000 block of Whitter Boulevard, East LA.

If you have any information regarding the aforementioned cases, or you are a victim, please contact the East Los Angeles Sheriffs Station at 323-264-4151.

Press Conference

Sheriff star announcement of news conference
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Sheriff Robert Luna discusses Palmdale Use of force incident from july 14, 2022

Statement from Sheriff Robert Luna regarding a Palmdale Use of Force

One year ago tomorrow, on July 13, 2022, just prior to midnight, Palmdale Station deputies conducted a traffic stop after seeing a car driving at night without headlights. During the traffic stop, deputies smelled alcohol coming from the vehicle. There were also four females and three infants in the vehicle. The infants were being held in the arms of the mothers without the use of child car seats.

As a result, deputies on scene made the discretionary decision to arrest the passengers and the driver for felony child endangerment. The male driver was also arrested for driving suspended license and driving under the influence of alcohol. Additional deputies and a supervising sergeant arrived to assist with the traffic stop.

During the arrests of the females a use of force occurred on two of the women to affect the arrest and gain control of the infants. One of these uses of force involved a mother and her three-week-old infant, who was refusing to let go of her child. During the encounter a deputy punched the female twice in the face.

This use of force was assigned to the Internal Affairs Bureau for an investigation shortly after the incident.
The event was captured on the deputies Body Worn Camera, and we have released the video today, in accordance with our commitment to transparency.

As your Sheriff, I want to speak clearly and directly to our community about this incident. I found the punching of the woman in these circumstances unacceptable. While this incident occurred one year ago, before my term as Sheriff began, I took swift action upon learning of this incident several days ago. I must note that state law precludes me from disclosing disciplinary actions taken in this matter.

I directed our Professional Standards Division to refer this incident to the District Attorney for criminal consideration. The Los Angeles FBI Office will also looking into this matter.

I have spoken with local elected officials, along with community and religious leaders, to discuss this incident.

Even during our most difficult moments – we must continue to work together as a community to build bridges, to have those painful and candid conversations. And that is my commitment, so we can establish public safety and public trust for this Department.

I have said it before, and I will repeat it again; the vast majority of our deputies and professional staff are doing incredible work on behalf of the 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. I remain in awe of the professionalism, commitment, and courage shown by members of our Department each and every day.

I was elected as Sheriff to keep our communities safe, and to bring new leadership and accountability to this department. And that’s exactly what we will do. My goal is to ensure services are respectful, empathetic, and constitutional.

That is our standard – which is what Los Angeles County deserves from this Department.

Sheriff Robert Luna is wearing a dark blue suit with a red tie, He is speaking behind a microphone and the California State flage is visible behind him.
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Lancaster use of Force Press Conference

Sheriff Robert Luna holds News Conference regarding Lancaster Use of Force 

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has opened an investigation into this incident. While the Department does not make statements related to ongoing investigations, Sheriff Luna has made it clear that he expects Department personnel to treat all members of the public with dignity and respect, and that personnel who do not uphold our training standards will be held accountable. In the interest of transparency with our community, the Sheriff’s Department is releasing body-worn camera video from the incident.

Background:
On Saturday, June 24, 2023, Lancaster Sheriff’s Station deputies responded to a report of an in-progress robbery at a grocery store at 700 block of West Avenue K-4 in the city of Lancaster.

Upon arrival, deputies approached a man, and a woman, matching the description given by store security personnel in calls placed to 911.
As deputies attempted to detain the individuals described by store security personnel, the encounter escalated into a use of force incident that was captured by a community member with a cell phone camera. The video is disturbing.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has initiated an investigation of this incident.  That investigation will include reviewing body-worn camera video, surveillance video from the store and cell phone video provided by a community member. 
Both deputies have been re-assigned from field duty pending further administrative review.

An objective review of the incident will be conducted to determine if the force used was reasonable, necessary, appropriate, and proportional to the level of actions described.  ­

We take the use of force very seriously and are determined to establish the facts of the incident.
The body-worn camera video is available at the following links: https://www.lasdvideos.org/mediaportal/062423-lancaster-incident-dep-1/
https://www.lasdvideos.org/mediaportal/062423-lancaster-incident-dep-2/     

Please note that this video is being released before a full investigation of this incident and that additional facts may come to light that are not apparent in the body-worn camera video.­­

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Family Seeks Help to Solve the Murder of carlos Alvarez-Diaz-$30,000 Reward

Family Members Seek Public’s Help to Solve the Murder of their Loved One, Detectives Announce $30,000 Reward

On Wednesday May 17, 2023, detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s (LASD) Homicide Bureau, City Officials from Hawaiian Gardens and relatives of the victim held a press conference to announce a $30,000 reward in exchange for information that will lead to the identity, arrest and conviction of those responsible for the murder of Carlos Alvarez-Diaz. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a $20,000 and the city of Hawaiian Gardens offered an additional $10,000, for a total of $30,000.

On October 8, 2022, at approximately 1:09 a.m., LASD deputies responded to an assault with a deadly weapon, gunshot victim call at the 22300 block of Wardham Avenue, in the city of Hawaiian Gardens, CA. 

Upon arrival, deputies observed Mr. Carlos Alvarez-Diaz lying on the ground, near his vehicle, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the upper torso. 

The Los Angeles County Fire Department arrived on scene and pronounced Mr. Carlos Alvarez-Diaz deceased. A 14-year-old was also struck by gunfire but survived. 

Homicide investigators learned Mr. Carlos Alvarez-Diaz was shot while he drove north on Norwalk Boulevard at 226th Street, in the city of Hawaiian Gardens. Investigators believe Mr. Carlos Alvarez-Diaz was an innocent victim of this senseless act of violence.

The suspect vehicle is described as a dark-colored, four-door vehicle with several males inside.  The shooter was described as a Hispanic male, in his late teens or early 20’s, wearing a black t-shirt and black beanie.  The vehicle was last seen northbound on Norwalk Boulevard.

Carlos Alvarez-Diaz grew up in Hawaiian Gardens and was a resident of San Bernardino at the time of his death. He was a family man whose greatest joys were his two daughters and his unborn son. He enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends.   

 “My brother was not a gang member. He was not looking for trouble. He was just driving his car around and unfortunately, he was the victim of a senseless act of violence. He leaves behind a wife, two girls and a baby boy who is never going to meet his dad. If anybody knows anything, we ask that you please call this number and give us information. Don’t do it for the money, do it because it’s the right thing to do,” said Carlos’ brother, Adrian Diaz.

“Those responsible for murdering Carlos Alvarez-Diaz and shooting and injuring a 14-year-old are still at large. If you have any information that could help Sheriff’s detectives solve this case, I urge you to come forward.  Carlos’s family need and deserve answers. I appreciate the Sheriff Department’s attention to this case and our partnership in bringing this reward forward,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn in a written statement.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500 or (323) 697-7327. Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477) or using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org/.

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Reward announced for information leading to arrest and conviction of Compton Resident

LASD Homicide Detectives and Victim’s Family AnnounceD Reward for Information Leading to the Arrest and Conviction for those Responsible of the Murder of a Compton Resident

On Tuesday, March 21, 2023, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Detectives held a press conference 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 65-year-old Richard Allen Jefferson Sr. The reward is sponsored by Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Second District.

On Wednesday, September 19, 2018, at approximately 6:38 p.m., Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputies responded to an assault with a deadly weapon, gunshot victim call on the 1400 block of Paulsen Avenue, in the City of Compton, CA. Upon arrival, deputies observed the victim lying on the ground, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.  Los Angeles County Fire Department arrived on scene and began medical treatment on the victim. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.

The victim was identified as 65-year-old Richard Allen Jefferson Sr., a resident of Compton, California. Based on information gathered, it appears that Mr. Jefferson was an innocent bystander. He was killed for no reason other than being friendly and having a conversation with a few other males that lived in the neighborhood. During the conversation, a car drove south on Paulsen Avenue and shot at the group, striking Mr. Jefferson. Investigators believe the vehicle was occupied by gang members from another neighborhood who mistakenly thought Mr. Jefferson and the other males were gang members. Neither Mr. Jefferson not any of the other male members had ever been involved in gangs.

“Here we are again, another family coming to the community asking for their help to resolve this senseless murder. Richard was a brother, he was a son, he was a father, a grandfather who was very much loved and it is our hope that with the money that’s being offered for information leading to the arrest of the person we can solve this,” said Mr. Jefferson’s brother, Kenneth Jefferson.

LASD Homicide detectives believe there are witnesses in the area who may have seen the suspects or know the suspects. If anyone has information about Mr. Jefferson’s murder, please contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500, or if you prefer to provide information anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477).

Press Conference

Sheriff Luna is speaking at a podium. He is dressed in a tan uniform, long sleeve tan buttondown shirt with a black tie. He is standing infront of the California state flag and the US flag.
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Sheriff Luna creates Office of Constitutional Policing

Sheriff Luna creates Office of Constitutional Policing, Appoints Eileen Decker as Director

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna has created the Office of Constitutional Policing within the Sheriff’s Department, and has appointed Eileen Decker as its Director.
 
The Office of Constitutional Policing will play an important role in eradicating deputy gangs from the Department, in collaboration with the Undersheriff, the Civilian Oversight Commission and Inspector General; in bringing the Department into compliance with consent decrees; and in improving policies, procedures, and operations to ensure the Department is engaging in constitutional practices.
 
“This is an incredible Department, but like any organization, we can always do better,” said Sheriff Robert Luna. “The Office of Constitutional Policing will help our Department eradicate Deputy gangs, comply with consent decrees, and ensure our policies, procedures, and operations uphold people’s constitutional rights. This Office is an important step forward in my promise to bring new leadership and accountability to the Sheriff’s Department.”
 
“I’m very pleased to appoint Eileen Decker as the Director of the Office of Constitutional Policing at the Sheriff’s Department,” Sheriff Luna said. “Director Decker is one of the top civilian law enforcement professionals in our country, and an accomplished attorney. She will bring invaluable leadership to our office, and help us improve public safety and public trust in the Sheriff’s Department.”
 

Director Eileen Decker


“I’m honored to join the Sheriff’s Department as the Director of the Office of Constitutional Policing,” Director Eileen Decker said. “The employees of this department are talented and courageous, and I have the highest respect for their work to keep our communities safe. My career has been dedicated to public safety and public service, and this assignment is the culmination of my life’s work. I want to thank Sheriff Luna for his confidence in me, and I’m looking forward to getting to work.”
 
Decker was one of three co-chairs of Sheriff Luna’s transition team. She recently helped oversee the Los Angeles Police Department as Vice President of the Los Angeles Police Commission, after previously serving as the Commission’s President. She also was a lecturer at the USC Gould School of Law.
 
From 2015 until 2017, Decker served as the United States Attorney for the Central District of California. As the top federal prosecutor for Los Angeles County and six other Southern California counties, she oversaw the largest US Attorney’s Office outside of the District of Columbia. She was appointed by President Barack Obama and unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate.
 
Prior to becoming the United States Attorney, Decker was the Deputy Mayor for Homeland Security and Public Safety for the City of Los Angeles for nearly six years, serving under Mayors Antonio Villaraigosa and Eric Garcetti. As Deputy Mayor, Ms. Decker was responsible for matters related to the Los Angeles Police Department, the Los Angeles Fire Department, and the Emergency Management Department.
 
Decker was an Assistant United States Attorney for almost 15 years, and served as the Office’s first Chief of the National Security Section, Deputy Chief of the Organized Crime and Terrorism Section and as Deputy Chief of Organized Crime Strike Force.
 
Prior to becoming a federal prosecutor, Decker was in private practice for three years at the law firm of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher in Los Angeles. She also served as a law clerk to United States District Judge Gary L. Taylor in the Central District of California.
 
Decker received her undergraduate and law degrees from New York University, a Master’s Degree in Homeland Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School and was a Wasserstein Fellow at Harvard Law School. In addition, she is a Past President of the Women Lawyer’s Association of Los Angeles.

Press Conference

Actor Danny Trejo is standing at a podium with Sheriff Luna Standing near by.
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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/

image of Sheriff's Department badge. over black background
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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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Homicide Detectives Release New Information about the Murder of 16-year-old Danah Rojo-Rivas

Homicide Detectives will Release New Information about the Murder of 16-year-old Danah Rojo-Rivas; $20,000 Reward Offered

Homicide Bureau detectives will release new information they received via anonymous tip about the murder of Danah Rojo-Rivas. They will also release a picture of what they believe to be the actual suspect vehicle. On Wednesday, November 23, 2016, 16-year-old Danah Rojo-Rivas was in the backseat of her mother’s car, leaving a church function when suspects were chasing unrelated persons in a vehicle. The intended target exited his vehicle and fled south across Euclid Avenue in the City of Lynwood. The suspect fired several times, missing his target, but striking the car Danah was in. Danah was fatally wounded during the shooting. Homicide Detectives and deputies will go door to door in the neighborhood passing out flyers with a picture of what they believe to be the actual suspect vehicle.

Press Conference

Information wanted posters

$20,000 reward. Information Wanted. The suspects were last seen in a silver Ford Taurus.
$20,000 reward. Information wanted. Victim Danah Rojos-Rivas.
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LASD officials discuss the coc hearing on deputy subgroups

Department Officials Discuss the Civilian Oversight commission’s Hearing on Deputy Subgroups and Cliques within the Sheriff’s Department

On Wednesday, June 15, 2022, Assistant Sheriff Holly Francisco and Chief April Tardy discussed developments and actions taken on alleged deputy subgroups and cliques within the Sheriff’s Department in response to allegations made by the Chair of the Civilian Oversight Commission, Sean Kennedy. 

In a news interview last week, Chair Sean Kennedy made the following statement: “It is time to hear from the Sheriff and Undersheriff Murakami and the other LASD officials who have the authority to address deputy gangs, but it appears have done nothing to do so.” 

His statement could not be further from the truth. Sheriff Villanueva has addressed and taken various steps to address the problem, build community trust, and counter the false narrative broadcasted by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) and Civilian Oversight Commission (COC). Assistant Sheriff Holly Francisco presented factual evidence of Sheriff Villanueva’s steps to address deputy subgroups and cliques. 

On his very first day as the Sheriff, Villanueva removed the captain of the East Los Angeles Sheriff’s Station and replaced the entire command staff. Throughout 2019, 36 East Los Angeles Deputies were transferred to other stations, four were terminated, and 22 that were part of the Kennedy Hall investigation were suspended without pay. 

In February of 2020, Sheriff Villanueva successfully implemented a department policy that prohibits employees from participating in any clique or subgroup that promotes conduct that violates the rights of other employees or members of the public, the first sheriff in the department’s history to do so. Department training videos on the topic were created and distributed, personnel viewed these training materials, and mandatory briefings regarding cliques were conducted. 

Additionally, Sheriff Villanueva sponsored AB 958 legislation for Peace Officer Cliques with Assembly Member Mike Gipson; AB958 was signed into law on October 2021. The legislation is intended to tackle the issue of “gangs” among peace officers that might undermine the professional standards of policing among California’s law enforcement agencies. 

In August 2020, the Kennedy Hall investigation was completed, and Sheriff Villanueva held a press conference to announce the investigation results, including the termination and suspension of the deputies involved. In September 2020, Sheriff Villanueva sent a message to all personnel requesting their participation in the RAND Corporation study on deputy subgroups. Deputies were encouraged to complete the anonymous survey.  

In March 2021, a subgroups and cliques policy re-briefing email was sent to department members, including a reminder that all employees would be held accountable for any policy violation. Unit commanders had their personnel sign a copy of the policy stating that they read and understood it.

In February 2022, the department created a portal on the department’s website so that the public could report any evidence of deputy gangs or employee misconduct in the department (https://lasd.org/report-employee-misconduct/). 

After Assistant Sheriff Francisco outlined the Sheriff’s actions to dispel rumors of inaction, Chief April Tardy spoke about her experience implementing all the subgroup policies to encourage compliance. “In addition, we’re holding our supervisors accountable to monitor the workplace and encourage our deputies to continue to work hard, rebuild our community relationships and make good decisions,” said Chief April Tardy. 

“Our goal today was to truly show the amount of work we have done and negate the headlines that the Sheriff and the department have done nothing regarding the deputy subgroups and cliques. I think you can see that this is the farthest from the truth,” said Assistant Sheriff Holly Francisco. 

Contrary to what the media or some politicians claim, many policies have been implemented regarding deputy subgroups and cliques so the community can trust that law enforcement and personnel are held accountable.   

Press Conference Video

Press Conference material

PDF presentation

Sheriff Alex Villanueva is the FIRST Los Angeles County Sheriff to successfully implement a policy banning “deputy cliques.” The policy went into effect.
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