Lee Baca
Leroy David Baca, more commonly known as Lee Baca, is a figure whose tenure as the 30th Sheriff of Los Angeles County is a complex tapestry woven with threads of public service, political maneuvering, and ultimately, a conviction for obstruction of justice and making false statements. His time in office, spanning from December 7, 1998, to January 2014, was marked by both ambitious policy initiatives and significant controversies that culminated in a three-year federal prison sentence.
Personal Details
Born Leroy David Baca on May 27, 1942, in East Los Angeles, California, Baca's life began in a community that would shape his career. His mother, a seamstress, was brought to the U.S. from Michoacán as a child. Following his parents' divorce, Baca was raised by his grandparents, Clara and Thomas Baca, who hailed from Albuquerque, New Mexico. His formative years were spent in East Los Angeles, and he graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School in the Highland Park neighborhood of Los Angeles in 1960, where he notably served as student senior class president.
Baca's educational journey was extensive, reflecting a commitment to public administration. He graduated from East Los Angeles College before earning a bachelor's degree from California State University, Los Angeles in 1971. His pursuit of advanced studies led him to USC, where he obtained a Master of Public Administration degree in 1974 and later a Doctorate of Public Administration from the USC School of Policy, Planning, and Development in 1993. This academic foundation undoubtedly influenced his approach to leadership within the law enforcement sector.
Politically, Baca identified with the Republican Party. His personal life involved two marriages. His first wife, Judith Howell, with whom he had two adult children, divorced him. One of their children, David Baca, followed in his father's footsteps, serving as a sergeant with the Murrieta Police Department in Murrieta, California before retiring in 2018. Baca later married Carol Chiang in 1999. Originally from Taiwan, Chiang arrived in the U.S. in 1979. Together, Baca and Chiang were active in community organizations, including the Los Angeles Chinese American Museum, and received the Historymakers Award in 2004 for their contributions. Baca also maintained a long-term residence in San Marino, California, where both of his children attended San Marino High School. His first wife and children are adherents of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a faith Baca himself was honored by in 2013 for his inclusive service to the Los Angeles community.
Career
Baca's career in law enforcement commenced in 1964 when he joined the United States Marine Corps Reserve. His transition to civilian law enforcement began on August 23, 1965, when he was sworn in as a deputy sheriff trainee for the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department. He progressed through various roles, including street patrol, custody operations, and recruitment, and also served as a staff instructor at the Sheriff's Academy. His ascent within the department was steady: he became a captain in 1981, commanding the Norwalk, California, sheriff station. In 1992, Sheriff Sherman Block promoted Baca to the rank of chief deputy.
The pivotal moment in his career arrived on December 7, 1998, when Baca was sworn in as the Sheriff of Los Angeles County. He succeeded his mentor, Sherman Block, who had passed away shortly before the election, leading to Baca's victory as he remained on the ballot. Baca was re-elected to a fourth term in 2010, demonstrating considerable electoral success over his lengthy tenure. However, his leadership was not without significant criticism. He faced scrutiny for proposing a half-percent sales tax increase in 2004, intended to fund additional deputy sheriffs, but which drew ire for its potential impact on taxpayers. Allegations of placing friends on the payroll, accepting gifts, and authorizing the early release of inmates from the Los Angeles County Jail also surfaced, casting a shadow over his administration. Baca ultimately resigned on January 7, 2014, reportedly to avoid a contentious re-election campaign, a move that occurred amidst a burgeoning prison-abuse scandal that would later ensnare him legally.
Policy Positions
Baca's policy stances reflected a pragmatic, though sometimes controversial, approach to law enforcement. He was known to oppose the California ban on shark finning, a stance that drew criticism from environmental advocates. As a Republican, he notably opposed California Proposition 8, a measure that sought to ban same-sex marriage. A significant aspect of his platform was his support for the Secure Communities program, a federal initiative orchestrated by the Department of Homeland Security designed to collaborate with local law enforcement in identifying and detaining undocumented immigrants for deportation. This policy, while lauded by some for its focus on immigration enforcement, was also criticized by civil liberties groups for its potential to strain community relations and lead to over-policing.
Early Release of County Jail Inmates
A notable policy shift occurred on November 9, 2006, when Baca, in conjunction with Los Angeles District Attorney Steve Cooley, announced a joint policy regarding the early release of inmates. This new protocol stipulated that all jail inmates would be required to serve a minimum of 25% of their sentence before being considered for early release. In a joint press release, Baca expressed gratitude to Cooley for his "most valuable input," stating, "This new policy will move us forward to where one day all inmates will serve the entire time required." Cooley echoed this sentiment, commending Baca for implementing a policy that would "assure that sentences imposed by the court will be carried out in a predictable and even-handed manner." The policy also received endorsement from Michael W. Webb, then Redondo Beach City Attorney, who remarked that "Defendants will no longer be able to routinely turn down offers that involve alternative sentences such as Cal Trans or other forms of community service." While presented as a measure for fairness and predictability, this policy also drew attention to the broader issues of jail overcrowding and sentencing reform within the county.
Notable Incidents
Baca's tenure was punctuated by several high-profile incidents that garnered significant media attention and raised questions about his department's practices.
Special Reserves Program
In 1999, Baca initiated a special reserves program, ostensibly designed to integrate "notable persons" such as celebrities, executives, and athletes into the Sheriff's Department. However, according to reporting by The Los Angeles Times, this program sparked concerns among some department members who feared it could be exploited, particularly as a backdoor route to obtaining concealed weapons permits in Los Angeles County. The program's integrity was quickly called into question. Within a month of its inception, one of the celebrity recruits, Scott Zacky, faced suspension and removal from duty after allegedly brandishing a firearm in a confrontation outside his Bel-Air home. The program was eventually suspended. Less than six months later, another special reserve member was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges related to international money laundering. Despite initial aspirations, no major celebrities joined the program, and participation was limited to fewer than 20 wealthy individuals, none of whom were widely recognized. The program was formally suspended in November 2006.
Mel Gibson Incident
On July 28, 2006, actor Mel Gibson was arrested for driving under the influence and speeding with an open container of alcohol. The arrest report detailed Gibson's aggressive reaction to the arresting officer, including an alleged antisemitic tirade captured in notes obtained by TMZ. Gibson reportedly directed hateful remarks at the officer, questioning his Jewish heritage and blaming Jews for global conflicts. Gibson later acknowledged the authenticity of these statements in a televised interview with Diane Sawyer.
The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department initially asserted that Gibson's arrest proceeded without incident or preferential treatment. However, the department's withholding of arrest video and audio recordings, citing exemptions under California's open government laws, fueled suspicion. The arresting officer, who is Jewish, later alleged that his superiors ordered him to remove pages from his incident report detailing Gibson's rant and that he faced retaliation from colleagues and superiors through ostracism and denial of promotion. This occurred despite Gibson having previously filmed a PSA for Baca's relief committee, appearing in a sheriff's uniform. When questioned by The Los Angeles Times about allegations of celebrity favoritism, Baca denied any departmental cover-up. The Times also reported that a civilian oversight committee launched an investigation into whether Gibson's celebrity status or his friendship with Baca had influenced his treatment.
Paris Hilton Case
A highly publicized incident involving celebrity Paris Hilton occurred on June 3, 2007. Hilton surrendered herself to the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department to begin serving a 45-day sentence for a contempt of court violation, a sentence that could have been reduced to 23 days with good behavior. She was initially placed in the Lynwood facility and kept separate from the general population for her safety.
However, in the early hours of June 7, 2007, Baca's department released Hilton after she had served only 79 hours of her sentence. She was permitted to return home, and her jail time was converted to 40 days of house arrest, reportedly due to a medical condition that later surfaced as psychological. This decision was made by Baca without consulting the presiding judge or the prosecuting city attorney. This action was particularly contentious given the judge's explicit prior ruling that Hilton would not be allowed to use house arrest in lieu of jail. While a Superior Court spokesman acknowledged that early release decisions are typically within the sheriff's purview due to jail overcrowding, the specific circumstances of Hilton's case raised eyebrows.
The city attorney subsequently filed a petition suggesting Baca should be held in contempt of court for his actions. Although the judge declined to take action against Baca, he did reverse the decision, ordering Hilton back to jail and reinstating the original sentence. Hilton's attorney's offer to brief the judge privately on her condition was declined, and no written evidence was presented during that session.
Baca later offered an explanation, describing Hilton's condition as deteriorating and life-threatening, leading to incoherent speech. He testified to L.A. County Supervisors that the department had contacted the judge prior to Hilton's release, seeking assistance in obtaining her medical records and medications to ensure proper administration and avoid dangerous side effects. According to Baca, the judge's response was a curt, "She's faking," followed by an abrupt hang-up. This, Baca claimed, left him with no choice but to release Hilton under house arrest, citing her nonviolent status and the perceived unusual severity of her sentence in L.A. County, where such offenses often result in community service.
Lev Dermen Allegations
Baca faced allegations of accepting a cash bribe from Lev Dermen, who was identified as a suspected member of an Armenian organized crime group. These allegations contributed to the broader scrutiny of Baca's conduct and the integrity of his department.
Relationship with Scientology
During his tenure, Baca publicly endorsed and actively supported Narconon, a drug rehabilitation program affiliated with the Church of Scientology. He frequently allowed his name and image to be utilized in promotional materials for Scientology's Los Angeles-based organizations, fostering a close association between his office and the church.
Religious Dialogue
In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, attacks, Baca, as the head of the County of Los Angeles Sheriff's Department, initiated a series of interfaith meetings. These gatherings brought together Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Sikh, and other religious leaders whom he personally selected. The initial meeting, held on September 12, 2001, at the Sheriff's Department headquarters in Monterey Park, included 60 religious leaders. A subsequent meeting on September 20 saw participation from figures like California Governor Gray Davis and County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, with approximately 70 individuals representing a diverse array of religious beliefs. Further discussions took place at the Museum of Tolerance on September 28, involving local television producers and directors alongside Muslim and Jewish leaders, before an audience of carefully chosen religious figures. These meetings led to the creation of a 30-minute television series titled "Together," broadcast by local stations, which aimed to explain the diverse cultures of Los Angeles and promote tolerance. Subsequent meetings were held at the King Fahd Mosque in Culver City and the Islamic Center in Northridge, the latter hosting the Kol Tkvah synagogue. In 2006, Baca established two Muslim outreach programs intended to build trust within the local Muslim community and to recruit law enforcement officers with whom Muslims could identify.
Prisoner Abuse Scandal and Federal Conviction
The ACLU compiled a comprehensive report detailing extensive prisoner abuse within the county jail system. The report documented "unprecedented levels of abuse" and concluded that "The long-standing and pervasive culture of deputy hyper-violence in Los Angeles County jails — a culture apparently condoned at the highest levels — cries out for swift and thorough investigation and intervention by the federal government." This abuse included instances of rape perpetrated by deputy sheriffs. In early 2012, the ACLU filed a lawsuit seeking to remove Baca from his position.
The ACLU's report triggered an FBI investigation. During this investigation, a jail inmate who was serving as an informant was identified by deputies and subsequently concealed from the FBI. The investigation resulted in convictions and guilty pleas from several lower-ranking officers, including a retired sheriff's captain. Baca was widely held responsible for the pervasive misconduct within the jails.
External videos
- Former L.A. Sheriff's Cmdr. Interviewed About Baca's Failed Leadership Concerning Inmate Abuse Scandal, KTLA5, July 18, 2016
Though not directly charged with the abuses themselves, Baca faced charges related to participating in the cover-up. On February 10, 2016, he pleaded guilty to lying to federal investigators, specifically admitting to making false statements twice regarding his involvement in hiding a jail inmate from FBI investigators. He also acknowledged knowing that his subordinates had threatened an FBI special agent. This plea agreement was made in exchange for a recommended sentence of six months.
The U.S. Attorney's office detailed the case: "During the course of the investigation that was being conducted by the FBI, the U.S. Attorney's Office and a federal grand jury, a sheriff's deputy assigned to the Men's Central Jail accepted a bribe to smuggle a cellphone into the facility. The phone was delivered to an inmate who was working as an FBI informant. Jail officials later discovered the phone, linked it to the FBI and determined that the inmate was an informant. This led to a monthlong scheme to obstruct the investigation, which included members of the conspiracy concealing the informant from the FBI, the United States Marshals Service and the grand jury. Members of the conspiracy also engaged in witness tampering and harassing the FBI agent."
Following Baca's February plea, California Attorney General Kamala Harris announced the reopening and investigation of another inmate abuse case involving Mitrice Richardson, a young Black woman found deceased months after her release from a sheriff's station in the middle of the night without transportation home.
Baca's former undersheriff, Paul Tanaka, also became entangled in the scandal. On April 6, 2016, Tanaka was convicted on conspiracy and obstruction of justice charges stemming from the same prison abuses.
In June 2016, Baca's attorney filed a court document claiming his client had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. In July, the judge presiding over the case rejected Baca's plea deal, deeming a sentence of no more than six months too lenient. Consequently, on August 1, Baca withdrew his guilty plea. He was subsequently indicted again on August 5, facing charges of conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and making false statements. However, the jury in his trial became "hopelessly deadlocked," with an 11-1 split in favor of acquittal, leading to a mistrial declaration on December 22, 2016.
A retrial commenced, and on March 15, 2017, Baca was convicted. On May 12, 2017, he was sentenced to three years in federal prison. He was scheduled to report to begin his sentence on July 25, 2017, but a stay was granted pending an appeal. Baca's second attempt to appeal his conviction was denied on August 23, 2017. In February 2019, a panel of judges from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld his conviction, and in April, they denied his requests for further hearings. On January 13, 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear his appeal. Baca began serving his three-year sentence on February 5, 2020, at Federal Correctional Institution, La Tuna, Texas. He was released from custody on January 14, 2022.