LOS ANGELES – Former L.A. County Sheriff Lee Baca was today found guilty for orchestrating a massive scheme to obstruct a federal investigation into the county jail system, which has resulted in convictions for 10 ex-department members.
The jury convicted Baca on three felony counts: conspiracy to obstruct justice, obstruction of justice, and making false statements to federal investigators. At 74, he now faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
The trial revealed that Baca authorized a plot to impede the investigation after authorities discovered a phone in an inmate’s cell linked to FBI agents. The scheme included investigating the FBI agents, hiding an informant, tampering with witnesses, and threatening arrest of the lead agent.
Baca, described as the ringleader by prosecutors, was also involved in numerous meetings and communications related to the obstruction plot. Despite warnings about potential obstruction of justice, he continued to direct his deputies.
Acting U.S. Attorney Sandra R. Brown emphasized that Baca’s actions undermined law enforcement and failed to uphold his duty as sheriff. FBI Assistant Director Deirdre Fike praised the agents and prosecutors for their commitment to uncovering corruption within the LASD.
Baca’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for Monday, following which he will officially begin serving his sentence.
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Key Facts
- State: California
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Public Corruption|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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