Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon faces a lawsuit from his own office for allegedly protecting his ethics chief, who is charged with felonies.
At a Glance
- The Association of Deputy District Attorneys (ADDA) is suing DA George Gascon for withholding information on Diana Teran, a top aide facing felony charges.
- The lawsuit claims Gascon violated the California Public Records Act (CPRA) by not providing complete information about Teran.
- Teran is accused of stealing computer files related to Los Angeles sheriff’s deputies and using them improperly after her employment ended.
- Gascon faces over 20 lawsuits from individual prosecutors and four from their union.
- The lawsuit seeks to force Gascon to disclose the requested records, declare him in violation of the CPRA, and cover the ADDA’s attorney fees.
ADDA Lawsuit Against Gascon
The Association of Deputy District Attorneys (ADDA), representing hundreds of Los Angeles prosecutors, has filed a lawsuit against their boss, District Attorney George Gascon. The lawsuit accuses Gascon of withholding crucial information about Diana Teran, a top aide who is currently facing felony charges. This legal action stems from an incomplete response to an information request made by the ADDA in May, concerning Teran’s activities.
'Woke' DA sued by his own office for allegedly protecting ethics chief charged with felonies https://t.co/IFKB7H0xPR
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The ADDA’s lawsuit claims that Gascon has repeatedly violated the California Public Records Act (CPRA) by delaying and obstructing the process of providing public records. This alleged pattern of behavior has raised concerns about transparency and accountability within the District Attorney’s office.
Allegations Against Diana Teran
Diana Teran, a close ally of Gascon and his ethics chief, is at the center of this controversy. She stands accused of stealing computer files related to Los Angeles sheriff’s deputies and using them improperly after her employment with the office had ended. These serious allegations have prompted questions about the oversight and ethical standards within Gascon’s administration.
“These are public records, and the union and other members of the public have a right to this information,” said Neama Rahmani, a Los Angeles-based former federal prosecutor who now runs a private practice.
The ADDA’s lawsuit seeks to force Gascon to disclose the requested records, declare him in violation of the CPRA, and cover the ADDA’s attorney fees. This legal action underscores the growing tension between Gascon’s office and the prosecutors he oversees.
Mounting Legal Challenges for Gascon
This latest lawsuit adds to a growing list of legal challenges faced by Gascon. Currently, he is confronting over 20 lawsuits from individual prosecutors and four from their union. These legal battles have raised questions about Gascon’s leadership and his ability to effectively manage the District Attorney’s office.
“George Gascon believes that because he is the district attorney, not only does he not have to follow the law, but he is actually above it,” Lewin added. “He’s going to find out in less than two months that he’s not above the law. He’s going to lose this election, and he’ll spend the next several years as a defendant in a courtroom defending the 20-plus lawsuits that are going to cost the county in excess of a hundred million dollars.”
Critics, including Nathan Hochman, a candidate for Los Angeles County District Attorney, have voiced concerns about Gascon’s priorities. They suggest that Gascon is more focused on protecting his self-interests than serving crime victims and upholding justice. These criticisms come at a crucial time as Gascon prepares for his re-election campaign amid growing public concern over crime rates in Los Angeles County.
Implications for Public Trust and Transparency
The ongoing legal battles and allegations of withholding information have significant implications for public trust in the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office. The lack of an appeal process in California’s public records law means that those denied access to records must resort to court action, potentially creating a barrier to transparency and accountability.
“The California Public Records Act clearly mandates that public agencies must promptly provide access to public records without unnecessary delays,” said Ryan Erlich, vice president of the ADDA. “Yet, George Gascon has consistently violated the law by unlawfully delaying and obstructing the process.”
As this legal drama unfolds, it remains to be seen how Gascon will address these allegations and what impact they may have on his re-election bid. The outcome of this lawsuit could have far-reaching consequences for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office and its relationship with the public it serves.
