L.A. Sheriff Baca Gave Take-Home Cars to Well-Connected Reserves

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has recalled unmarked units assigned to reserve deputies after a Los Angeles Times investigation showed cars had been given to well-connected volunteers.

Ford Crown Vic (2004). Photo: GovernmentAuctions.orgFord Crown Vic (2004). Photo: GovernmentAuctions.org

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has recalled unmarked units assigned to reserve deputies after a Los Angeles Times investigation showed cars had been given to well-connected volunteers.

In one case, a fundraiser for Sheriff Lee Baca was assigned an unmarked vehicle. When contacted, an LASD spokesman said whether a reserve deputy is a donor doesn't factor into the decision to assign a take-home car.

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