A police officer in Los Angeles is facing charges of theft and evidence tampering in connection with alleged misconduct within a gang unit, according to prosecutors. The officer, Alan Carrillo, has been accused of altering evidence and stealing weapons during enforcement stops carried out by the scandal-plagued Mission Division Gang Enforcement Detail.
The charges against Carrillo include two counts of altering, planting, or concealing evidence as a peace officer, as well as three counts of petty theft. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office announced the charges in a news release, revealing that Carrillo, 32, is currently being held on a $100,000 bond. He has been relieved of duty by LAPD Chief Dominic Choi pending the outcome of the case.
The alleged misconduct by Carrillo is said to have occurred between April and June of 2023, during which time an internal affairs investigation into the gang unit was already underway. The investigation was initiated following reports of officers turning off their body-worn cameras during enforcement stops, prompting concerns about potential constitutional violations.
Prosecutors claim that Carrillo stole personal items, including brass knuckles and knives, from individuals detained during pedestrian and traffic stops. These items were allegedly not properly documented in his reports, raising questions about accountability and integrity within the police force.
The case against Carrillo is just the beginning of a larger investigation into misconduct within the Mission gang unit. Sources familiar with the case suggest that several other members of the unit may also face charges in connection with the ongoing probe.
The LAPD’s handling of the situation has raised concerns about the integrity of law enforcement and the public’s trust in the department. LAPD officials have vowed to cooperate fully with the District Attorney’s office and the ongoing investigation to ensure accountability and transparency.
The incident has cast a shadow over the Mission Division Gang Enforcement Detail, which was temporarily disbanded last August following reports of officers flouting body camera policies. The unit has since resumed operations with new officers, but the allegations of misconduct continue to haunt the department.
The case against Carrillo highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in maintaining public trust and upholding the principles of justice. The LAPD’s response to the allegations will be closely scrutinized as the investigation unfolds, with implications for the department’s reputation and credibility..
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