Ex Sheriff's Legal Legacy Continues to Cost

Los Angeles County settled another lawsuit that stemmed  from the federal corruption investigation of former Sheriff Lee Baca.

The Board of Supervisors approved this week a $1.25-million payment to a former deputy, who said she was denied promotions and threatened after she refused to take part in Baca's conspiracy to obstruct justice.

Ex deputy Tara Adams testified against Baca at his federal corruption trial, and said she refused in 2011 to create false jail records to hide the location of an inmate - who was also acting as a federal informant. 

The cost of lawsuit settlements and payments involving the Sheriff's Department have more than tripled since 2012, totaling about $51-million last year, according to County records.

Baca was convicted of three federal felonies and faces sentencing next week.

Prosecutors have asked a judge to send Baca to prison for about two years, while Baca's lawyers, citing an Alzheimer's diagnosis, have argued for home confinement.


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