District Attorney Gascón Outlines Accomplishments in 2023 Midterm Report
 District Attorney George Gascón has released his Midterm Report where he highlights his work over the last two years and the accomplishments that have brought the office closer to achieving its mission.
“In the last two years, my office has supported tens of thousands of victims and helped them on their journey to becoming survivors. We held people who caused real harm accountable and we made sure those with power did not evade accountability because of their privilege,” District Attorney Gascón said.
Click here to read the full report.
Click here to read the report in Spanish.
Two Torrance Police Officers Charged in Connection With Death of Christopher Deandre Mitchell
 District Attorney George Gascón announced that two Torrance police officers have been indicted for the December 2018 fatal shooting of Christopher Deandre Mitchell.
During a news conference, the D.A. was joined by Christopher’s mother, Sherlyn Haynes, and other family members, and Factual Analysis Citizen Consulting Team’s civil rights attorney Je Yon Jung.
A grand jury returned an indictment on March 24, 2023, against Anthony Chavez and Matthew Concannon for one count each of voluntary manslaughter.
Watch it on TikTok.
Watch the full news conference here.
Assemblymember Santiago and District Attorney Gascón Announce Immigrant Rights Act
 Assemblymember Miguel Santiago (D-Los Angeles) joined District Attorney George Gascón, Supervisor Hilda Solis, Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California, Koreatown Youth and Community Center, Thai Community Development Center and Chinatown Service Center to announce the “Immigrant Rights Act” legislation that will help protect immigrant victims of crime.
AB 1261 (Santiago, 2023) will help encourage undocumented Californians who are survivors and witnesses of crimes to come forward by protecting them from deportation.
Watch it on TikTok.
Watch the full news conference here.
Two Whittier Police Detectives Charged With Assault for On-Duty Shooting That Left Unarmed Man Paralyzed
 District Attorney George Gascón announced that two Whittier police detectives have been charged for their roles in the April 2020 daytime shooting that left Nicholas Carrillo paralyzed.
Cynthia Lopez (dob 11/25/88) was charged with two felony counts of assault under the color of authority and one felony count each of assault with a semiautomatic firearm and shooting at an occupied vehicle.
Salvador Murillo (dob 10/18/81) was charged in the same case with two felony counts each of assault with a semiautomatic firearm causing great bodily injury and assault under the color of authority causing great bodily injury.
Watch it on TikTok.
Watch the full news conference here.
D.A. Gascón Champions Gun Safety Bills
 In a news conference, the D.A. was joined by Prosecutors Alliance, Assemblymember Mike Fong (D-Alhambra), Monterey Park Mayor Jose Sanchez and gun safety advocates to champion three important gun safety bills.
If passed, AB 732, AB 733 and AB 1638 would significantly contribute toward the fight against gun violence.
Watch it on TikTok.
Watch the full news conference here.
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National Crime Victims’ Rights Week
 During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, we recognize survivors and victims who are on their journey toward healing.
This year’s theme, Survivor Voices: Elevate. Engage. Effect Change. gives us the opportunity to hear from survivors so we’re better able to help support them.
Watch it on TikTok.
 Listening to Survivor Voices
 In recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, LADA’s Bureau of Victim Services hosted a virtual event, “Survivor Voices.”
We thank Tanishia Wright, director of LADA Bureau of Victim Services; Kristina Rose, director of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime; Kelli Dillon, executive director of Back to the Basics Community Empowerment; and Lawanda Hawkins of Justice for Murdered Children, for participating in the excellent discussion.
Watch the virtual event here.
In Appreciation of Our Bureau of Victim Services
 LADA hosted our annual National Crime Victims’ Right Week awards ceremony, recognizing Bureau of Victim Services staff for their excellent work and dedication assisting victims and survivors in L.A. County.
We congratulate everyone who received an award!
Supporting Victims of Sexual Assault
Demin Day: We Stand Against Sexual Violence
 On Denim Day we wear denim to raise awareness about sexual assault, stand in solidarity with survivors and recommit ourselves to ending sexual violence.
Denim Day began 24 years ago in response to an Italian Supreme Court decision overturning a rape conviction because the justices concluded that the victim was wearing tight jeans and therefore she must have “helped” her rapist remove her jeans, thereby implying consent.
The Denim Day campaign was founded in L.A. by Peace Over Violence’s Patti Giggans.
For victim services, call BVS: 1-800-380-3811.
Sex Crimes Division Town Hall
 LADA’s Sex Crimes Division held a virtual town hall with panelists Assistant Head Deputy Guillermo Santiso, Deputy District Attorney Sandra Jimenez and Victim Services Representative Rosario Mariscal. The town hall was moderated by Deputy District Attorney Jessica Kronstadt.
Thank you to the Sex Crimes Division for an informative event and all who joined us!
Watch the town hall here.
LADA and LAPD Seek Additional Survivors
 Matthew Leonard Werner (DOB: 4/18/77) has been charged with three counts of sexual assault, including rape, against two different women. The court set bail at $3 million.
LADA and LAPD have reason to believe additional survivors may exist who have yet to report their attacks. The current allegations go back to 2015. The defendant is known for using social media to connect with and lure his victims.
D.A. Gascón on the Future of Prosecution
 D.A. Gascón participated in a virtual panel on the future of prosecution with Professor Angela J. Davis, Professor David Sklansky and Rachel Marshall, executive director of the John Jay College’s Institute for Innovation in Prosecution.
Thanks to the Institute for Innovation in Prosecution and all who joined us for a lively discussion!
Watch it here.
Combating Youth Violence
 For Youth Violence Prevention Week, LADA came together to raise awareness and help our youth take a stand against violence.
Remembering Victims and Survivors of the Armenian Genocide
Honoring Armenian History Month
We celebrate our incredible employees of Armenian descent during Armenian History Month, and every day! Here are just a few.
 Read profiles on some of the amazing employees of Armenian descent at the LADA here, here and here.
Remembering Victims and Survivors of the Holocaust
D.A. Gascón at UC Berkeley To Discuss Use of Force
 Thanks, UC Berkeley for hosting a Use of Force Symposium!
D.A. Gascón joined Dean of Berkeley Law Erwin Chemerinsky, Professor Frank Cooper and attorney John L. Burris to discuss this important issue, having served as police chief and assistant police chief in three major cities, and district attorney of two counties.
 
Battling Illegal Gambling
LADA’s Bureau of Investigation and Pomona Police Department’s Major Crimes Task Force executed a multi-agency search warrant targeting illegal gambling casinos across several locations in the city.
An undisclosed amount of money and narcotics were recovered. Nine people were arrested, and more than 55 gambling machines were removed from six locations.
Watch it on TikTok.
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Happy 110th Anniversary LADA BOI, Congrats Honorees!
 LADA Bureau of Investigation’s Investigators Association honored investigators, staff and deputy district attorneys with the Excellence in Leadership award for their commitment to service and selflessness. BOI also celebrated its 110th anniversary by transitioning to new badges.
Congratulations, honorees!
Watch it on TikTok.
LADA Community Advisory Boards Visit HOJ
 LADA was excited to welcome members of our Community Advisory Boards to the Hall of Justice! The D.A. and team expressed their appreciation to all of our volunteer board members for their tireless advocacy, holding the office accountable and increasing LADA’s accessibility.
We are thankful for Sheriff Robert Luna and his team, as well as representatives from Supervisor Holly Mitchell and Hilda Solis’ offices who joined us to spend an evening in partnership with community as well.
Watch it on TikTok.
Learn more about our boards:
https://da.lacounty.gov/community (left hand menu) https://da.lacounty.gov/victims/CVAB
Volunteer Appreciation Week
 We’re so grateful for our hardworking and dedicated volunteers!
D.A. Gascón and LADA thank you for your service to the office and Los Angeles County!
If you’re interested in volunteering, apply here.
We Thank Our Volunteers
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In recognition of Volunteer Appreciation Week, D.A. Gascón recognized our office’s wonderful and dedicated volunteers during a virtual appreciation ceremony.
LADA student worker and USC student Jazzlyn Verduzco discussed her experience volunteering and the mentoring she has received from Deputy District Attorney Daniel Rochmes as Jazzlyn navigates a future career in law.
Apply here to volunteer.
Watch it on TikTok.
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 LADA Helps Those in Need
 LADA employees volunteered at L.A. Regional Food Bank, where they helped to sort packaged food kits for those in need. Since the COVID 19 outbreak, the need for food assistance has nearly doubled in L.A. County, where a significant number of people are experiencing food insecurity.
D.A. Gascón at Loyola Law School
 D.A. Gascón had the pleasure of visiting and speaking with Professor Christopher Hawthorne’s class at Loyola Law School!
Touring Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp
 Members of LADA’s executive management and deputy district attorneys from the newly formed Juvenile Complex Litigation Unit recently visited and toured California Corrections’ Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp. The camp trains justice-involved youth as wildland firefighters under contracts with counties.
Celebrating Advocacy Day
 D.A. Gascón joined L.A. County officials including Supervisors Barger, Horvath and Solis, and Assessor Prang at California Contract Cities Association’s L.A. County Local Advocacy Day.
The D.A. spoke about the work LADA is doing to enhance public safety and victim services.
Watch it on TikTok.
Police Chiefs’ Association Spring Conference
 D.A. George Gascón; Chief of Staff Joseph Iniguez; BOI’s Chief Robert Arcos; Deputy Chief Jorge Rodriguez; and law enforcement liaisons Tony Miranda and John Perez joined our law enforcement partners at the L.A. County Police Chiefs’ Association, spring conference, where they discussed public safety.
D.A. Gascón at UCLA
 D.A. Gascón had the pleasure of delivering the keynote speech at the Southern Christian Leadership Conference at UCLA.
The D.A. discussed ending generational violence and the work LADA is doing to address this issue. He also spoke about public safety and mass incarceration.
Watch it on TikTok.
Become an Investigator at LADA!
 Our Bureau of Investigation is hiring a D.A. Investigator Drug Recognition Expert to work on drug-impaired driving and drug-related cases. Applicants must meet BOI Investigator hiring requirements and be available work any assignment at BOI/L.A. County.
To apply, click here.
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