To ensure that whistleblowers are not dissuaded from coming forward, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has announced that it is reducing the counts files against a police officer who is accused of illegally recording confidential conversations of his colleagues without their knowledge. With the dropped charges, he could avoid jail time.
Los Angeles police officer Daniel Flores, 43, allegedly recorded fellow officers making racist, sexist and homophobic remarks. Initially, he was charged with 16 felony counts of illegal eavesdropping on or recording confidential communications, which could have resulted in up to 13 years in prison.
Prosecutors filed a motion on Aug. 20 to reduce the charges to 16 misdemeanor counts.
Attorneys representing Flores requested at the hearing that a judge grant their client judicial diversion for one year on all 16 misdemeanors. Diversion is an alternative procedure that allows a defendant to avoid a criminal record by completing court-mandated requirements during a set period. The prosecution submitted to the judge’s discretion regarding the request.
“In making this decision, I’ve carefully considered the feedback given by the public, community groups, local officials and members of our office concerning the potential deterrence felony charges pose for whistleblowers coming forward,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said.
“While those who break the law and illegally eavesdrop on others will still be held...
White House border czar Tom Homan fired back on Sunday's "State of the Union" after Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., accused U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement ("ICE") of targeting parents at sch...