Tow Company Owner Arrested for Threatening an Elected Official

Los Angeles: Los Angeles police detectives arrested Shahram Shayesteh, 41, for two felonies, in connection with a criminal threat made during a February telephone conversation between Bell Gardens city council member Mario Beltran and Beltran’s fellow city council member, Daniel Crespo.

“We served search warrants last June at the United Tow Company in South Gate as well as at two other places,” said Lieutenant Paul Vernon, commander of the Central Detective Division. “Information from that search led to an arrest warrant for Mr. Shayesteh for obstructing a public official and making criminal threats.”

Detectives arrested Shayesteh at his home in the 5300 block of Donna Avenue in Tarzana, today, around 10:00 A.M. The detectives booked Shayesteh at the downtown Metropolitan Jail. His bail was set at $85,000. Shayesteh contacted his attorney and is expected to post a bond.

The initial crime stemmed from Shayesteh allegedly eavesdropping on a telephone call between Beltran and Crespo. While Beltran was aware of the eavesdropping, Crepso was not. During that conversation, Shayesteh spoke up and threatened Crespo.

Detectives are continuing to pore over evidence seized during the June search warrant.

Lieutenant Vernon may be reached at 213-972-1203.