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Man Charged in Death of Los Angeles County
Sheriff's Recruit, Injuring Other Recruits in
Wrong-Way Crash in Whittier

Los Angeles County District George Gascón, joined by L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna, announced that Nicholas Gutierrez faces charges related to the fatal wrong-way crash that occurred in Whittier in November 2022. The crash resulted in the tragic death of Los Angeles County Sheriff's recruit Alejandro Martinez-Inzunza and caused severe injuries to other recruits.

“By bringing formal charges against Nicholas Gutierrez, the legal system takes a significant step towards seeking justice in this heartbreaking incident,” District Attorney Gascón said. “The aim is to provide a sense of justice and accountability for the lives lost and the lives forever changed as a result of this tragic event.”

Nicholas Joseph Gutierrez has been charged with two counts of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and nine counts of reckless driving on a highway causing a specified injury.

If convicted as charged, Gutierrez will face a maximum sentence of 12 years.

Watch it on TikTok.

Read our press release here.

Watch the full press conference here.

Man Charged With Killing Off-Duty
LAPD Officer and His Passenger in
Northridge Car Crash

District Attorney George Gascón announced that Brian Olivarez has been charged with the murders of off-duty Los Angeles Police Officer Darrell Cunningham and his passenger, Jorge Soriano, and seriously injuring two others, in a car crash in Northridge.

“First and foremost, my thoughts and deepest condolences are with the victims’ families and the Los Angeles Police Department who are coping with this tragic loss of life,” District Attorney Gascón said. “This tragic and senseless collision is a stark reminder that we cannot afford to tolerate reckless behavior behind the wheel. Driving under the influence, distracted driving, excessive speeding or any other form of disregard for the safety of others will be met with the full force of the law.”

Brian David Olivarez is charged with two counts of murder, two felony counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and one felony count of driving under the influence of alcohol and a drug causing injury.

If convicted, Olivarez will face a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Watch it on TikTok.

Read our news release here.

Watch the full news conference here.

Man Charged in Cold Case Shootings
That Killed a Man and His Three-Year-Old
Daughter in Compton

District Attorney Gascón joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to announce charges filed in cold case shootings in Compton.

“I express my deepest sympathies to the Murphy family for the immeasurable pain they have endured through these long years,” District Attorney Gascón said. “The resolution of this 22-year-old cold case underscores the significance of solving crimes that have remained unsolved for far too long.”

Jahon Terez Smith was charged with two counts of murder and four counts of attempted willful, deliberate and premeditated attempted murder.

On Aug. 8, 2001, Smith allegedly conspired with a group of people to commit a series of drive-by shootings in the city. He allegedly participated in the shooting and killing of a man and his three-year-old daughter as they were in front of their residence, as well as nearby shootings which wounded two other men at other scenes.

Smith faces a maximum sentence of life without the possibility of parole if he is convicted as charged.

Watch it on TikTok.

Read our news release here.

Watch the full news conference here.

Man Charged After Pointing Rifle at
School Administrator at Larchmont Charter Elementary School in West Hollywood

District Attorney George Gascón announced that Vahe Armen is charged with pointing a weapon at a school administrator while students and parents were present during morning school drop-off at Larchmont Charter Elementary School in West Hollywood.

“In an era plagued by an epidemic of mass shootings at schools across our nation, every parent in America faces an unimaginable fear when they send their children to school. It is an unfair burden that no parent should bear.” District Attorney George Gascón said. “We must prioritize the safety and well-being of our community, particularly our children.”

Vahe Armen is charged with one count of assault with a deadly weapon or by means likely to cause great bodily injury on a school employee and one count of weapons on a school grounds – grades K-12. In a separate incident on Oct. 24, 2023, he is charged with one count of an assault on an elder and one count of dissuading a witness from reporting a crime. He faces special allegations on all counts.

Watch it on TikTok.

Read our news release here.

Watch the full news conference here.

Medical Examiner Investigator Charged
With Stealing From the Deceased

District Attorney George Gascón announced that an investigator with the County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner (formerly known as the Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner) has been charged with stealing items from deceased individuals and surroundings during the scope of his employment.

“An investigator with the Medical Examiner’s Office holds a position of immense trust and responsibility. Their role is not just to unravel the cause of death or help solve potential crimes but also to provide closure and peace to grieving family members,” District Attorney Gascón said. “The theft of items, potential family heirlooms and sentimental pieces from the deceased, not only violates this trust but desecrates the memory of a loved one.”

Adrian Muñoz of Los Angeles was charged with one felony count of grand theft of property and one misdemeanor count of petty theft of property.

Read our news release here.

Watch the news conference here.

Catalina Island Business Owners Charged
With Failing To Pay Employees Overtime,
Filing Fraudulent Statements

District Attorney Gascón announced that two Catalina Island business owners were charged with allegedly defrauding their employees of more than $500,000 in overtime wages, and filing false and fraudulent statements with the Employment Development Department (EDD) beginning in 2008.

“The case filed against the defendants underscores the urgent need to protect workers’ rights,” District Attorney Gascón said. “By allegedly underreporting wages and violating overtime pay laws, the defendants not only broke the law but also contributed to the cycle of economic hardship for hardworking individuals.”

Jack Tucey and Yueh Mei Tucey, aka Nora Tucey, allegedly filed false and fraudulent statements with the EDD by underreporting the true wages that they paid their workers. The defendants allegedly had the same employees work at multiple businesses in the same day resulting in up to 18-hour workdays.

It is believed there are others who have been allegedly victimized by the Tuceys. If you or someone you know is a victim, please call the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) at (818) 901-5305.

Watch it on TikTok.

Read our news release here.

Watch the full news conference here.

 Jemison Award Winners and Nominees!

This week, LADA celebrated the 44th Annual Jemison Awards, returning to an in-person celebration for the first time since the pandemic.

Each year, we gather to honor distinguished service at the DA’s office through the Jemison, Michael P. Noyes, and Ken Lamb Awards.

The Jemison Awards for Distinguished Public Service were awarded to: Alex Mendoza & Senior Investigator Roberto Estrada.

Nominees for Support Staff: Kristine Marie Carino, Marcus Fernandez, Caroline Gandy, Helen Lee, Alex Mendoza, Eileen Romero and Thirath “Tee” Sun.

Nominees for Investigator: Senior Investigator Roberto Estrada and Sergeant Emilio Guerrero (posthumous).

Read more and view photos on Instagram.

D.A. Gascón, LA5 Rotary Join Forces
To Recognize Everyday Heroes

LADA and LA5 Rotary recently hosted the 2023 Courage Awards, honoring community members who have acted with bravery and at considerable personal risk to help a victim of crime, assisted in the apprehension of a suspect or testified in the face of extraordinary pressures.

This year's honorees included: Robert Medrano, a firefighter, alone and without a breathing apparatus, who entered a home ablaze to save lives and Joseph Cohen, a resident who immobilized a knife-wielding attacker were honored by Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón.

We thank them both for their embodiment of service above self.

Read each of their stories here.

D.A. Gascón Statement on
Thanksgiving Day Incident

Thank You for Your Service!

We Champion Women’s Rights

We recognize the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, declared by the United Nations. At LADA, we stand with women around the world as they fight for bodily autonomy, equal rights and an end to domestic violence.

We urge everyone to raise awareness in responding to acts of violence against women and girls.

Our Bureau of Victim Services is available to offer services to those affected by crimes involving physical, sexual or psychological violence. For more information, call (800) 380-3811.

Celebrating Native American Heritage

In Memoriam: Former D.A. Robert Philibosian

LADA's African American Advisory Board
Holds Forum on Resentencing

Thank you to our African American Advisory Board for holding a community forum about the work of LADA’s Resentencing Unit.

During the recent virtual “Second Chances: A Resentencing Town Hall,” speakers included District Attorney George Gascón; Diana Teran, Director for LADA’s Prosecution Support Operations Bureau; and Doug Bond, President and CEO of the Amity Foundation. The event was moderated by Ramona Merchan, African American Advisory Board member and Executive Director for Trauma Informed LA.

Ms. Teran explained recent law changes that have provided the opportunity for prosecutors to reopen cases that were closed and ask a court to resentence an individual who no longer poses a danger to our community.

Thanks to everyone who participated!

Watch it on TikTok.

Watch the full recording of our Resentencing Town Hall here.

Learn about LADA’s current resentencing policies here.

D.A. Gascón Visits Fire Scene on I-10

District Attorney Gascón and senior leadership met with Cal Fire at the scene of the alleged arson on the 10 Freeway. We thank the crews who worked diligently to ensure the freeway was reopened in a timely fashion.

Watch it on TikTok.

BVS Holds Forum on Assisting Victims
of Child Abuse

In recognition of Children’s Grief Awareness Day, LADA’s Bureau of Victim Services held the virtual Community Provider Forum, “How To Assist Victims of Child Abuse.”

Speakers from multiple agencies joined BVS and our Bureau of Communications to discuss signs to look for, resources and ways to connect to BVS for children of abuse.

We thank everyone who participated in this important event!

If you or someone you know is a victim of crime and would like to request assistance, visit our website at da.lacounty.gov/victims or call (800) 380-3811.

Watch the forum here.

Crime Victims Advisory Board Visits the BVS
in Alhambra To Strengthen Services

LADA’s newest Crime Victims Advisory Board members visited the Bureau of Victim Services in Alhambra to learn about how BVS provides services to victims of crime and their families. They met with BVS Director Tanishia Wright, BVS leadership and advocates to discuss making resources more accessible to people throughout L.A. County.

The Crime Victims Advisory Board is the first of the office’s advisory boards established by District Attorney Gascón, and first-ever for LADA. It is comprised of victims of crime who advise him and the office on best practices for helping victims become survivors.

LADA’s Bureau of Victim Services provides essential services to crime victims and their families, including crisis intervention, counseling referrals, court escort and orientation and more. If you or someone you know is a victim of crime and would like to request assistance, visit our website at da.lacounty.gov/victims or call (800) 380-3811.

Learn more about LADA’s Crime Victims Advisory Board here.

Welcome New Investigators!

Congratulations to LADA Bureau of Investigation’s newest District Attorney investigators Andrew Makins, Irma Garcia, Garrett Loo, Mark Fassam and Delon Lam, who were sworn in by Chief Robert Arcos last week during a ceremony at the Hall of Justice.

We welcome them to the LADA family and thank all of our BOI staff for their tireless dedication toward an equal and just criminal legal system!

BOI Helps Fight Breast Cancer

LADA does its part in support of breast cancer survivors and fighters!

Each year, LADA’s Bureau of Investigation designs a Pink Patch and raises funds to fight the disease. In collaboration with the Pink Patch Project and over 700 agencies around the world, the campaign has raised over $1.6 million!

D.A. Gascón Visits San Fernando Valley
and Answers Queries About Prosecution Rates

District Attorney Gascón recently joined San Fernando Valley leaders at the Valley Industry and Commerce Association’s annual Local Officeholders Luncheon and answered a question we receive regularly — how are current LADA prosecution rates compared to past administrations?

LADA’s felony filing rates have remained consistent for the last five years. With regard to misdemeanors, we’ve decided to shift resources away from those where prosecution serves no public safety benefit such as those associated with addiction. This has allowed us to focus on those misdemeanors where violence occurs, such as domestic violence.

We thank VICA for hosting such an important and valuable event, bringing together leaders from across the valley!

Watch it on TikTok.

Celebrating Latino Leaders

D.A. Gascón joined in celebrating Latino leaders at the Latino Leaders Network 70th Luncheon Series this week at the California Club in L.A.

Music icon Sheila E. was honored with the Eagle Leadership Award and delivered the keynote address.

Congratulations to all the honorees!

Watch it on TikTok.

• TV Producer's Son Charged With Murder After Headless Torso Discovered In Parking Lot - Update
  
  
• Los Angeles Man Charged with Felony Assault and Sexual Battery in
  Long Beach Following Emergence of New Evidence
  
  
• Lancaster Man Charged with Murdering 2 of His Young Children
  
  
• Pasadena Man Charged in Washington Park Killing, 2 Other Gun-Related Crimes

We’re Hiring!

The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office is looking for lawyers committed to public service and the fair and ethical pursuit of justice.

Exams for Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney (DDA) I close TOMORROW (Dec.1).

Applications must be filed online.

Join us!

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