Six members of the Los Angeles Police Department’s command staff told KFI NEWS they were struggling to understand the allegations made against a veteran LAPD captain, who was placed under an internal affairs investigation after an illegal marijuana growing operation was discovered in a warehouse.
Captain Phillip Smith was relieved of command of the Rampart station in November, according to several senior LAPD officials not authorized to discuss the case. The Department said Thursday the officer had been assigned to home while the officer’s possible involvement in the grow warehouse was investigated.
The officials not authorized to discuss the case said a second grow location was found during the investigation and other officers have been interviewed.
Smith’s lawyer declined to explain or discuss the matter.
"At this time, we are not in a position to provide a statement as this matter is actively being investigated,” emailed attorney Muna Busailah, who represents Smith.
“It doesn’t make any sense,” said another LAPD captain who had shared a duty assignment with Smith many years ago.
Five other members of the command staff shared similar thoughts. All spoke on condition of anonymity, and each said they had no direct knowledge of the investigation.
EARLIER COVERAGE: LAPD Captain Investigated
(Photo: LAPD photo of Smith)