This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Sheriff Lee Baca Under Scrutiny for Taking $120,000 in Gifts

Being sheriff has its perks -- to the tune of $120,000, if you're Sheriff Lee Baca.
ABC 7 reports that in his 13-year tenure, Baca has accepted gifts in the form of expensive liquor, tickets to shows and travel. And a database posted at the LA Times reveals that Baca has enjoyed many a game of golf on someone else's tab, including local attorney David Hochman and real estate developer Michael Schwab.
In total, the gifts amount to $120,000 over the course of the years.
As part of an investigation, the Times reports that Baca claimed to wish that he didn't have to contend with gifts and the questions they bring up:
"My life would be much easier if people did not give me gifts," he said. "I don't solicit any gifts. I've never asked for a gift.… People just do it for me."