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.
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.
Escaped Inmate Found Laying Low At A Hotel Spa In Koreatown
Inmate Kent Lesporavsky who was found hiding in a Koreatown spa (Photo courtesy of the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner)
()
An escaped inmate was found hiding out at a spa in Koreatown after walking away from a work program clearing weeds 75 miles away. The inmate, Kent Lesporavsky, 43, never got the chance to hit the steam room or jimjilbang before being taken back into custody by authorities at a spa on Wilshire Blvd., reports NBC LA. Prior to his escape and apprehension at the spa, Lesporavsky was serving eight years and eight months at Fenner Canyon Conservation Camp #41 in Valyermo for transporting marijuana. He also has a history of drug use, theft and assault on police, according to authorities.
On November 4, the 6-foot-tall, 220 pound Russian inmate was clearing weeds near a flood control channel as part of a fire crew in Highland when he walked away, according to prison officials. And while a helicopter, police dogs and officers from multiple agencies searched the surrounding area, they were unable to find him, reports the L.A. Times. Officials believe somebody may have picked him up and given him a lift out of the area.
Authorities were tracking Lesporavsky's movements for nearly a week, and on Tuesday at 1:30 a.m., they tracked him to Koreatown, Sgt. Gabriel Romo told the Times. But they were just about to call off the search when they intercepted a call from Lesporavsky—who was asking someone for money—and by 1:45 a.m. they found him at the spa and arrested him. While he had ditched his orange jumpsuit from the California Department of Corrections, he wasn't wearing a white towel in the sauna, just a hooded sweatshirt and white pants. He was taken into custody without incident.
"It was difficult to find him because he didn't know a lot of people in Southern California," Sgt. Romo told the Times, explaining that Lesporavsky only has a few relatives in the U.S. and California.
Support for LAist comes from
Lesporavsky's release date had been set for Aug. 7, 2018, but now that he's facing new charges for the escape, that date might be postponed.
He also won't be clearing any more weeds—or likely taking any more spa days—"He ruined that opportunity," Romo told the Times.
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
-
After rising for years, the number of residential installations in the city of Los Angeles began to drop in 2023. The city isn’t subject to recent changes in state incentives, but other factors may be contributing to the decline. -
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs.
-
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
Best of LAist