LASD ONCE AGAIN RECEIVES ALLEGATIONS OF GANGS IN DEPARTMENT

Once again, we have received unproven allegations alleging “deputy gangs” by Inspector General Max-Gustav Huntsman. We have read the letter from Mr. Huntsman and as is consistent with his unhealthy obsession to attack the department, he has failed to provide any actual evidence or new information. Mr. Huntsman has presented his statements as “facts” in numerous articles by the Los Angeles Times. These articles have been repeatedly used to attack and undermine the credibility and legitimacy of the Sheriff’s Department, even though they are based on opinions and not facts. All legally obtainable information requested by the Office of the Inspector General has been provided.

This is another irresponsible attempt from Mr. Huntsman to discredit the organization, through omission and misrepresentation. The timing of this letter suggests Mr. Huntsman is using his public office and resources to campaign against the sheriff leading up to the June primaries.

Sheriff Alex Villanueva remains committed to transparency and accountability. Sheriff Villanueva became the first Los Angeles County Sheriff in history to successfully implement a policy banning “deputy cliques.” In addition, AB 958 was signed into law, a bill the Sheriff sponsored based on the current LASD policy, which will now be the model policy for all law enforcement in the State of California.

To this date and our knowledge, we have not received any allegations of such. However, in the spirit of transparency, if you have any evidence of “Deputy Gangs” or employee misconduct within the Sheriff’s Department, you may report it and provide any evidence to the following entities:

https://lasd.org/report-employee-misconduct/

LASD PRESS RELEASE