Posts Tagged :

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
LA County Sheriff’s Sergeant saves man from choking 800 170 SIB Staff

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

Sheriff Luna Appoints Jill Torres as Interim Assistant Sheriff 600 750 SIB Staff

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
Sheriff Robert G. Luna Takes Charge of the LA County Sheriff’s Department 1024 683 SIB Staff

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/

image of Sheriff's Department badge. over black background
Publics assistance to locate the suspect responsible for the murder of a Veteran of the United States Army 1024 451 SIB Staff

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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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

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. 

South LA Deputies Arrest Felon with a Firearm 449 280 SIB Staff

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. 

Passing of Retired Executive Officer Raymond Leyva 600 750 SIB Staff

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

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.