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LA Sheriff Luna Restores Inspector General's Access
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna
(
Brian Feinzimer
/
for LAist
)
Topline:
L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna says he has restored the county inspector general’s access to the department — reversing a decision by his predecessor, Alex Villanueva.
The backstory: After Inspector General Max Huntsman issued a report critical of then-Sheriff Alex Villanueva in 2019, Villanueva cut off Huntsman’s access to the department’s personnel management system — a key tool used by the IG to oversee how the agency is working. In October, Villanueva told Huntsman he would no longer be allowed inside department facilities.
Why Luna restored access: Luna’s decision to allow the inspector general access again reflects his stated commitment to cooperate with oversight bodies, including the inspector general and the Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission.
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Next steps: No word on the status of a more than three-year-old criminal investigation into Huntsman — for allegedly illegally accessing records — and initiated after that critical report of Villanueva.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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