Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
Former LA Sheriff Lee Baca, 77 And With Alzheimer's, Reports To Prison
Former L.A. Sheriff Lee Baca. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)
()
Former L.A. County Sheriff Lee Baca has started a three-year prison term for obstruction of justice, conspiracy and lying.
Baca reported to the La Tuna federal correctional institution near El Paso, Texas, according to the Bureau of Prisons' inmate locator. An official at the prison confirmed that Baca reported Tuesday.
The 77-year-old Baca, who has Alzheimer's, lost the last of his appeals earlier this month. He was convicted and sentenced in 2017.
His imprisonment caps a scandal that dates back to 2011, when sheriff's deputies hid an inmate informant from FBI agents who were investigating systematic abuse of jail inmates.
Support for LAist comes from
Baca was convicted in part for directing deputies to hide the informant, and for lying about his role to the feds.
The scandal snagged nine other Sheriff's Dept. officials, several of whom were convicted of beating prisoners or helping to cover up the abuse.
BACKGROUND:
- Disgraced Former LA County Sheriff Lee Baca Ordered To Report To Prison (LAist)
- Ex-LA County Sheriff Lee Baca found guilty in federal corruption scheme (KPCC)
Correction: An earlier version of this post misstated the day Baca reported to prison.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
There are no reports of injuries after a blast and ensuing fire, which could be seen for miles on Thursday night. -
The FCC voted to end E-Rate discounts for library hotspot lending and school bus Wi-Fi. -
About half the Pacific Airshow’s 2025 lineup has been grounded because of the federal government shutdown. -
USC says it’s reviewing the letter also sent to eight other prestigious schools nationwide. California's governor vowed that any California universities that sign will lose state funding. -
Scientists say La Niña is likely, but that doesn’t necessarily mean a dry winter in Southern California. -
According to a grand jury report the contractor took advantage of strained relations and political pressures to “force” the city to pay hundreds of millions of dollars to settle disputes.
Best of LAist