The six
deputies on trial in the case surrounding the obstruction of an FBI
investigation were found guilty today.
The jury received the case on Thursday.
The Los
Angeles Time’s coverage of the case and verdict can be read here: http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-six-deputies-convicted-of-obstruction-20140629-story.html
The
defense had argued that these deputies – including two sergeants and two
lieutenants – were simply “worker bees” following the orders of Sheriffs Baca
and Tanaka.
This is
a just conviction. These officers hid Anthony
Brown, and FBI informant, from the FBI
and the U.S. Marshalls (who had a warrant
for him). And in so doing, changed
his name in the jail records, moved him from wing-to-wing (including hiding him
in the infectious disease ward) and one even lied to an FBI agent claiming that
there was a warrant out for that agent’s arrest. These officers have sworn to uphold the law,
but instead acted as though they were above it.
The
deputies face sentences of up to 15 years each as a result of the conviction.
I
anticipate that either sentencing will be put over for a substantial period of
time, or that the officers will receive substantial sentences that can be
reduced if they are able to assist the DOJ with its ongoing prosecution of 14
other deputies also arrested in connection with Men’s Central Jail, as well as
additional prosecutions which have yet to be filed (and may include Sheriffs
Baca and Tanaka).
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