Ex-LASD Deputy Admits to False Imprisonment

A former Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputy, Christopher Blair Hernandez, has admitted to federal prosecutors that he conspired to violate the civil rights of a 23-year-old man. Hernandez and his then-partner, Miguel Angel Vega, are accused of illegally confining the man – identified in court documents as “J.A.” – and then attempting a clumsy cover-up, complete with fabricated evidence.

The scheme, according to court records, involved detaining J.A. in the back of a patrol vehicle without ever informing him he was under arrest. No Miranda rights were read, no charges were explained. The deputies then allegedly falsified reports claiming J.A. possessed methamphetamine – a claim made entirely to justify the unlawful detention. This wasn’t a case of bad policing; it was a deliberate attempt to manufacture a crime to cover for an illegal stop.

Hernandez’s guilty plea to the conspiracy charge is a rare admission of wrongdoing within the LASD, an agency historically resistant to outside scrutiny. Federal prosecutors, led by Assistant United States Attorneys J. Jamari Buxton and Brian R. Faerstein, have built a case based on witness testimony and internal LASD investigations. The FBI played a key role in uncovering the scheme, assisting the department’s internal affairs division.

While Hernandez is looking at a potential prison sentence, his former partner, Miguel Angel Vega, continues to maintain his innocence. Vega is scheduled to stand trial on October 24th, and the feds are expected to present evidence mirroring the case against Hernandez. The outcome of Vega’s trial could hinge on whether he attempts to shift blame onto Hernandez or can successfully challenge the evidence presented.

The victim, J.A., has shown considerable courage in coming forward to detail the ordeal. He alleges the deputies subjected him to a humiliating and frightening experience, and his willingness to cooperate with the investigation was crucial to securing the guilty plea from Hernandez. His testimony will likely be central to the prosecution of Vega.

This case highlights a disturbing pattern of abuse of authority within the LASD. The feds are sending a clear message: deliberately violating someone’s civil rights and then attempting to cover it up will not be tolerated. The consequences for Hernandez, and potentially Vega, should serve as a deterrent to other officers considering similar misconduct. The full extent of the department’s internal issues remains to be seen, but this case is a clear indication of a rot that needs addressing.

The charge of conspiracy to violate civil rights carries a significant penalty. Hernandez faces a maximum sentence of ten years in federal prison. Sentencing guidelines will be considered, but the feds are likely to push for a substantial term given the deliberate nature of the crime and the attempt to obstruct justice. Vega, if convicted, faces similar penalties.

The LASD has been plagued by scandal in recent years, and this incident will undoubtedly fuel further criticism. The department’s internal affairs division is under increased pressure to demonstrate its ability to investigate and address misconduct effectively. This case is a test of their commitment to accountability and transparency.”