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David Bloom Charged With Defrauding
Nine Victims out of Nearly $250,000
in Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced that David Bloom, once known as the “Wall Street Whiz Kid,” has been charged with stealing close to a quarter of a million dollars in an investment scam.

“David Bloom managed to convince hard-working people to turn over their earnings as part of a fraudulent investment scheme,” District Attorney Gascón said. “Anyone who believes they fell victim in this case or other financial scams are encouraged to report it to my office or their local law enforcement agency. Those who prey upon people for their own selfish gain will be held accountable for their actions.”

Bloom faces nine felony counts of securities fraud and nine felony counts of grand theft with special allegations of two or more prior felony convictions.

Watch the full news conference here.

Read our press release here.

Cracking Down on Organized Retail Thefts

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced that six people have been charged in connection with two different incidents of organized retail theft at a Warehouse Shoe Store (WSS) in the Highland Park neighborhood of Los Angeles. Read the press release here.

On August 21, 2023, the Los Angeles Police Department, and law enforcement partners from Glendale Police Department, Beverly Hills Police Department, Burbank Police Department, California Highway Patrol, and the Bureau of Investigation Office of the Los Angeles County District Attorney, formed the Organized Retail Crime Taskforce (ORCT). 

Anyone with information about these types of incidents or the identity of additional suspects is asked to call the Organized Retail Crime Task Force at (818) 374-9420. During non-business hours or on the weekends, calls should be directed to (877) LAPD-24-7 (527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477).

Protecting Street Vendors

LADA continues to hold those who harm street vendors accountable. On Aug. 11, 2023, District Attorney George Gascón announced that Renee Latrice Hines was charged with assaulting two taco stand workers in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Watts.

“The senseless attacks that continue to harm street vendors in our community are unacceptable and have no place in our diverse county,” District Attorney Gascón said. “Street vendors should not have to endure violence while simply trying to earn a living.” Read the release here.

On August 21, 2023, District Attorney George Gascón announced Stayshawn Stephens was charged in connection with a series of violent robberies of street vendors at six locations in Los Angeles within a two-hour period. Read the release here.

D.A. Gascón Announces Charges Against
Supervising Deputy Probation Officer in
Use-of-Force Incident With Minor

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced during a news conference that Los Angeles County Probation Department Supervising Deputy Probation Officer Oscar Cross has been charged with the assault of a minor at the probation department’s Camp Kilpatrick facility in Malibu.

“I am deeply troubled by the recent reports of overdoses, assaults and weapon possession within our juvenile halls,” District Attorney Gascón said. “The conditions of confinement for these young people in L.A. County are truly alarming. We must ensure their safety within these institutions.”

District Attorney Gascón was joined by Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath and Los Angeles County Probation Oversight Commissioner Franky Carrillo.

Oscar Cross was charged with one count of assault under the color of authority. He faces three years in county jail if convicted.

On October 23, 2020, Cross allegedly used excessive force as he and four other deputy probation officers attempted to restrain a juvenile at the Los Angeles County Probation Department’s Camp Kilpatrick facility.

Watch it on TikTok.

Read our news release here.

Watch the full news conference here.

Seven Men Charged in Series of Fatal Shootings in Inglewood, Compton and Los Angeles

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced that seven men have been indicted on charges related to a violent fatal shooting spree in Inglewood, Compton and Los Angeles between December 2021 and January 2022 that killed seven people and injured others.

“These charges mark a significant development in our ongoing efforts to combat gun violence.” District Attorney Gascón said. “My office obtained a 37-count indictment against seven individuals in connection with four separate incidents that resulted in the loss of seven lives, injuring many others, and traumatizing our Inglewood, Compton and Los Angeles communities.”

All defendants pleaded not guilty to their respective charges at an arraignment on Aug. 7.

Watch it on TikTok.

Read our news release here.

Two Men Charged in Connection to Multiple Robberies, Assaults in the San Gabriel Valley, Including Hacienda Heights

D.A. Gascón joined Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna and Supervisor Janice Hahn to announce the case filing against two men arrested in connection with multiple robberies and assaults in the San Gabriel Valley, including Hacienda Heights.

Cameron DeShawn Perry and Russell Hardy Jr. were each charged in connection with multiple robberies and assaults throughout the San Gabriel Valley.

On August 14, a video captured a woman being dragged across a bank parking lot in Hacienda Heights by Perry after he allegedly attempted to steal her crossbody purse. Hardy allegedly drove Perry away from the scene.

Watch it on TikTok.

Watch the full news conference here.

Read our news release here.

Daystar Peterson aka Tory Lanez
Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Shooting
Megan Pete aka Megan Thee Stallion

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced that Daystar Peterson, the rap artist known as Tory Lanez, was sentenced to 10 years in state prison after he was convicted by a jury of the 2020 attack and shooting of musical artist Megan Pete also known as Megan Thee Stallion in the Hollywood Hills.

“Over the past three years, Mr. Peterson has engaged in a pattern of conduct that was intended to intimidate Ms. Pete and silence her truths from being heard,” District Attorney Gascón said. “Women, especially Black women, are afraid to report crimes like assault because they are too often not believed. I commend Megan Pete for her incredible bravery and vulnerability as she underwent months of probing investigation and court appearances.” 

Last year, after seven hours of deliberation, Mr. Peterson was found guilty by jurors of one count of assault with an automatic firearm and found true the allegations that he caused great bodily injury and used a firearm. He also was convicted of one count of carrying an unregistered loaded firearm in a vehicle and one count of discharge of a firearm with gross negligence.

Watch it on TikTok.

Read our news release here.

LADA and LASD Highlight Four
Unsolved Homicides

District Attorney George Gascón joined Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna for a news conference highlighting four unsolved homicides. They were joined by the victims’ families to ask for the public’s help.

If you have any information that could lead to the identification, arrest and conviction of the individuals responsible for these murders, please call the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department at: (323) 890-5500. To provide information anonymously, call: (800) 222-TIPS (8477). 

Watch it on TikTok.

Watch the full news conference here.

Leveling the Playing Field:
L.A. Alliance Youth Day of Action

D.A. Gascón joined law enforcement partners, community leaders and sports teams representatives at Play Equity Fund’s Alliance Day of Action to speak with youths about ending racism and systemic inequalities.

The event raised the role of sports as an important pathway toward higher education, athletic careers and social activism while promoting “play equity” as a focus on bringing access to sport and play for all children, regardless of their race, gender and zip code.

Watch it on TikTok.

D.A. Gascón Supports Fight Against Labor Trafficking at Grand Opening of Thai Workers' Center

District Attorney Gascón and LADA joined the Thai Community Development Center and community partners for the grand opening of the first Thai Workers' Center in the nation, in East Hollywood.

The opening held special significance as it was the 28th anniversary of freedom for Thai workers from the El Monte Thai garment factory slavery case. 

The center was created to serve as a base from which to continue the discussion for better immigrant Thai workers’ rights, provide community services and continue the fight against labor trafficking. While most clients are expected to be Thai, the center is open to all low-wage workers.

Watch it on TikTok.

D.A. Gascón Sends Message on
World Day Against Human Trafficking

On July 30, World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, and every day, we reaffirm our commitment to the liberation of all people.

Los Angeles remains a top point of entry in the U.S. for victims of slavery and trafficking.

If you or someone you know is being forced into activities, such as commercial sex, housework or restaurant, farm, construction, factory or retail work, and cannot leave, don’t hesitate to call for help.

National Human Trafficking Hotline: (888) 373-7888.

Resources and information also are available on our office’s website here.

Watch it on TikTok.

DDA Gould and Hearing
Officer Ikeda Awarded by MADD

Congratulations to DDA Ryan Gould and LADA’s Hearing Officer David Ikeda who were recognized as an Outstanding Prosecutor, and Community Champion, respectively, by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) at its annual Law Enforcement Recognition Awards ceremony!

We are proud of DDA Gould and Hearing Officer Ikeda’s exceptional achievement and dedication to L.A. County. Thank you for your work to hold individuals accountable who drive recklessly/under the influence, and bring awareness to the community through education. You have made a significant impact and we thank you!

Watch it on TikTok.

D.A. Gascón Meets With Santa Monica Officials
To Discuss Public Safety

D.A. Gascón welcomed Santa Monica Mayor Gleam Davis, Mayor Pro Tem Lana Negrete, Santa Monica Police Department Chief of Police Ramon Batista, City Manager David White, City Attorney Doug Sloan, and Chief Deputy City Attorney Jenna Grigsby to the Hall of Justice to discuss public safety in our shared communities.

Happy 100th Birthday to
Retired DDA Daniel Luévano!

We wish retired (and oldest known living) Deputy District Attorney Daniel Luévano, a very happy 100th birthday!

Mr. Luévano served at our office for 15 years, as a Special Assistant to former District Attorney John Van de Kamp, director of the Bureau of Family Support Operations, Head Deputy and a family support courtroom deputy district attorney, before his retirement in 1995. Mr. Luévano left LADA having worked under the administration of four District Attorneys.

Mr. Luévano is first-generation Mexican American, born in 1923, across the street from Hamilton High School in the Westside of Los Angeles. He was educated in Los Angeles public schools and served in the United States Navy during World War II.

We wish you the very best, sir!

DDA Steggell Project LEAD Facilitator of the Year

Congrats LADA Project LEAD facilitators on another successful year!

We especially congratulate Deputy District Attorney Heather Steggell on being awarded the Facilitator of the Year Award for the 2022-2023 school year! Her commitment to teaching students at Tibby Elementary School in Compton has earned her the recognition of her peers and students and will be honored at the Constitutional Rights Foundation’s Cobey Awards later this year.

LADA facilitators were recognized in the annual Project LEAD Facilitator Recognition Ceremony for their commitment to our youth. This last year, 88 volunteers from LADA and partner agencies taught fifth grade students in 47 classrooms at 26 schools throughout Los Angeles County.

Watch it on TikTok.

Learn more about Project LEAD here.

LADA Proudly Marched at Long Beach Pride

Happy Long Beach Pride! LADA stands with and celebrates our LGBTQ+ personnel and community on this day and always.

Thank you to everyone who marched with us in LADA’s first known official contingent in Long Beach City Pride, showing up and showing out for the 40th anniversary!

Watch it on TikTok.

Welcome Volunteers, Interns and Law Clerks!

We were excited to recently welcome our LADA volunteers, interns and law clerks to the Hall of Justice!

D.A. Gascón, Chief of Staff Joseph Iniguez, Bureau Directors and Recruitment Deputy-in-Charge Tina Hooks spoke with volunteers and thanked them for their service.

Interested in volunteering with LADA? Learn more and access the application here.

Honoring Each Person’s Uniqueness

Learn more about two of our wonderful employees overcoming challenges here.

Commemorating Women's Equality Day

This Women’s Equality Day, LADA honors the women who relentlessly championed the pursuit of justice and equality, while committing to upholding the principles of gender equality, ensuring that every individual is treated with fairness and respect under the law.

Watch it on TikTok.

BVS Holds Forum on
Stigmas Hindering Mental Health

Thank you for joining us for our virtual Community Provider Forum discussing “Cultural Stigmas Hindering Our Health” in honor of National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month!

Speakers from the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health and other agencies joined LADA’s Bureau of Victim Services and Bureau of Communications personnel to discuss how cultural stigmas impact inequities in health outcomes for minority communities and why it’s important to address these stigmas.

Panelists included BVS’ Claims Verification Unit Supervisor Clint Molezion; social worker and policy analyst James Maddox; advocate and speaker Armand King; and Mental Health Clinical Supervisor Dr. Jamie Langford of L.A. County Department of Mental Health.

Watch it on TikTok.

View the forum here.

BVS Shares Resources for DUI Victims

In recognition of National Road Victim Awareness Month, LADA’s Bureau of Victim Services brought together advocates and community providers to discuss “DUI: The Effects on Victims of Crime,” about what happens when someone is arrested for a DUI, how these crimes are prosecuted, and available support from BVS for the trauma that victims and family members of DUI incidents face.

Thank you everyone for the great discussion!

Watch it on TikTok.

View the forum here.

BOI Battles Against Internet Crimes Against Children

LADA’s Bureau of Investigation joined other members of the Los Angeles Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force for various internet-related crimes involving children after an investigation called Operation Online Guardian.

The task force, led by the LAPD, is comprised of 102 affiliate law enforcement agencies and covers five Southern California counties. We are proud to partner with this important work.

Watch it on TikTok.

KUDOS to BOI!

Congratulations to LADA’s Bureau of Investigation’s newly sworn-in investigators, promotions and Employees of the Quarter!

Over 20 investigators were sworn-in to their new roles, and Sergeant Jason Hosch and Senior Typist-Clerk Audrey Kim were honored as BOl Employees of the 2nd Quarter.

LADA thanks all of our BOl staff for their tireless, dedicated service toward an equal and just criminal legal system!

LADA’s African American Advisory Board
Holds Event on Diversion Programs

District Attorney Gascón and LADA joined our African American Advisory Board for a discussion on diversion programs and victim services. Attendees heard from D.A. Gascón, Gilbert Wright, Head Deputy of the office’s Mental Health Division, Centinela Youth Services Executive Director Jessica Ellis and LADA Victim Services Representative Karen Allen.

Thank you to Pastor Hadnot for opening up Holy Tabernacle of God Missionary Baptist Church in South L.A. for this important event, L.A. County Department of Mental Health for joining us to share resources with the community, and LADA’s African American Advisory Board for coordinating.

View the entire event here.

AAPI Advisory Board Hosts Hate Crimes Workshop
in Monterey Park

LADA took part in a Hate Crimes Workshop at Monterey Park Langley Senior Center, an event hosted by LADA’s own Asian American and Pacific Islander Advisory Board.

Attendees heard from D.A. Gascón, Deputy District Attorney Paul Kim, AAPI Advisory Board Chair Esther Lim, and LAPD Det. Orlando Martinez to learn about how to how to prevent hate crimes, and about tools and resources to assert their rights and ensure physical safety against attacks. Participants also took part in a self-defense clinic directed by Compassion in SGV.

Watch it on TikTok.

AAPI Advisory Board Holds Workshop
About Older Adult Abuse

Thank you for joining us for a “Know Your Rights” workshop for older adults in Chinatown!  

Participants learned about how to identify elder abuse, avoid fraud and scams, and where to get help. Thank you to our LADA Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Advisory Board for coordinating this event.

Watch it on TikTok.

LADA’s Community Violence Reduction Team
in Baldwin Park

LADA’s Office Community Violence Reduction Team, in collaboration with the Baldwin Park Police Department’s Detective Bureau, recently apprehended a man wanted in connection with an attempted murder investigation that occurred on June 11, 2023, in the City of Baldwin Park. The weapon used in this incident was a black handgun.

Any person with additional information regarding the described incident is encouraged to contact the Baldwin Park Police Department at (626) 960-1955.

Celebrating Downey Pride Festival

Great time at the 3rd annual Downey Pride Festival! LADA joined the community in sharing office resources, connecting with neighbors and celebrating Congressmember Robert Garcia, the first LGBTQ immigrant ever to be elected to Congress, crowned Downey Pride King.

• Los Angeles D.A. Gascón Announces Gabriel Esparza Charged with Kidnapping, Murder of Andrea Vasquez, and Attempted Murder of Man in Whittier
  
  
• Deputy charged with trying to help fellow deputy cover up DUI crash
  
  
• Man Accused of Sexually Assaulting, Drugging Multiple Women in Los Angeles, West Hollywood
  
  
• Ex-LAPD officer sentenced to 6 years in prison for raping woman
  
  
• Man and woman charged in Eric Brown's murder
  
  
• Los Angeles County D.A. Reports Man Officially Charged, Accused of Violently Attacking and Assaulting 8 Women in East L.A.
  
  
• L.A. schoolteacher charged with sexually assaulting 6 first-graders
  
  
• Los Angeles County D.A. Announced PetSmart to Pay $1.46 Million for Charging Customers Higher than Advertised Prices

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