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How LA Sheriff's Department Caught Deputy Smuggling Heroin-Filled Burrito Into Jail
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How did the "dim-witted" sheriff's deputy who flunked out of "The Academy" on his first try get caught smuggling a burrito loaded with black tar heroin into jail? It was a set-up.The Los Angeles Times got a peek at grand jury transcripts in the case against deputy Henry Marin that show how a sheriff's department task force targets corrupt deputies, who smuggle in drugs that can be sold to junkies in jail at prices 10 times higher than their street value.
In Marin's case, investigators say that sheriff's deputies caught a woman discussing a previous failed attempt to smuggle drugs to an inmate Carlos Gallardo, a Mexican Mafia associated known as "Trouble." The anonymous woman broke down and confessed to deputies, who then used her in a sting to ensnare other corrupt deputies. This woman is the one who brought in the black tar heroin burrito and handed it off to Marin. The minute she handed it over, undercover sheriff's deputies arrested Marin.
A grand jury indicted Marin on conspiracy and drug charges, but so far Marin has plead not guilty to the charges. He claims that he had no idea there was heroin inside, though he admitted to passing food onto inmates in return for extra sandwiches. Victor Lewandowski, who was then a sergeant, testified that Marin's story made no sense: "His story that he would risk his job for the promise of a sandwich was ridiculous."
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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
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