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Former Inglewood Police Officer Sentenced to 2½ Years in Federal Prison
SANTA ANA, California – On February 28, 2024, former Inglewood Police Department (IPD) officer John Abel Baca, 48, of Whittier, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for stealing cocaine from IPD’s lock-up and reselling it on the street.
Baca pleaded guilty in October 2023 to one count of distribution of cocaine. According to the prosecution, Baca abused his position as a law enforcement officer to promote his drug trafficking activities.
“This defendant – a veteran of the Inglewood Police Department – abused his position as a law enforcement officer to promote his drug trafficking activities,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “I thank IPD for its cooperation in bringing the defendant to justice – someone who broke his oath to protect the public.”
“Former officer Baca tarnished the badge and dishonored the majority of those who serve and protect our communities with integrity,” said Akil Davis, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “This case serves as a reminder that no one is above the law, and corruption and criminal behavior will not be tolerated.”
Baca distributed cocaine on two occasions: the first in April 2021, when he delivered cocaine to a buyer, and again in May 2021, when he delivered approximately one kilogram of cocaine to the same buyer in exchange for $22,000 in cash.
The FBI investigated this matter. The Inglewood Police Department provided its full cooperation during the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Cassie D. Palmer of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section prosecuted this case.
In addition to his prison sentence, Baca was also ordered to pay a $40,000 fine. The investigation revealed that Baca’s sales extended over a lengthy period beginning in 2020.
Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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