Los Angeles - - Sometime prior to June 2001, detectives assigned to the Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) Detective Headquarters Division (DHD), Gun Detail Section, launched a criminal investigation into activities surrounding the sale of illegal weapons. Investigators became aware of these activities during the course of their duties, while conducting a routine required audit. As a course of matter, the Department conducts audits of all gun dealer licensees in the City of Los Angeles.

During the course of our investigation, it was discovered that agents assigned to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) were concurrently conducting a criminal investigation into the activities of the same individual(s). As the investigations progressed, it was determined that police officers from several California law enforcement agencies, including the LAPD, may have possible involvement in the case. It was later agreed that the California DOJ would assume the lead on the criminal investigation.

Subsequently, the LAPD’s Internal Affairs Group became involved in the investigation to pursue the matter from an administrative standpoint. Consistent with our longstanding policy [regarding pursuing an administrative investigation when there is a pending criminal investigation into the same matter], Internal Affairs Group has deferred full administrative investigation of the matter, pending the completion of the on-going criminal investigation. The Department has been and continues to fully cooperate with governmental agencies involved in this on-going criminal investigation.

Questions regarding the criminal investigation must be directed to the California DOJ. Based on the status of the administrative investigation and the on-going criminal investigation by other agencies, the Department will not, at this time, issue any other comments beyond what is contained in this press release.

This press release was prepared by Lieutenant Horace Frank, Officer in Charge, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.