Los Angeles: On August 21, 2000, Los Angeles Police Van Nuys Area vice officers received information that a "sex party" was occurring every Friday and Saturday night at a residence located at 6454 Whitman Avenue. The citizen advised that numerous loud arguments and several physical altercations had occurred outside of the residence and in the area around the location. Additionally on Friday and Saturday nights, thirty to forty cars were parked, some illegally on the street, creating a traffic and safety hazard. The parties occurred from approximately 9:00 PM to 3:00 AM and beyond. The citizen reported that the parities disrupted the peace of the neighborhood and demanded that the Van Nuys Area Vice unit conduct an investigation in order to rid the neighborhood of the nuisance.

The Los Angeles Police Department Van Nuys Area Vice unit conducted five on-site undercover investigations between September 8, 2000 and December 8, 2000. Van Nuys Area Vice presented the investigation to the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office and charges of 12.70 Los Angeles Municipal Code (Sexual Encounter Establishment in a Residential Zone) were filed.

On March 15, 2002, John Lynch of 6454 Whitman Avenue, Van Nuys, was found guilty of five counts of 12.70 LAMC. The case was heard in Van Nuys Municipal Court 113 by the Honorable Katz-Weintraub. Assistant City Attorney Mike Pizzuti of the City Attorney’s Special Enforcement Unit presented the case.

Sentencing was heard on Monday March 18, 2002. Mr. Lynch received 36 months Summary Probation, $500 fine and penalty assessments of $7,750.00 and 7 days working with CALTRANS, obey all laws including zoning, search and seizure without warrant or Probable Cause and $100.00 restitution.

This information was provided by Lieutenant II Mark Savalla, Special Enforcement Section, Organized Crime and Vice Division.

This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Eduardo Funes, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.