Perez went to prison in 2000 after confessing that he and fellow LAPD officers shot and beat suspects without provocation, planted and stole evidence, gave false testimony and framed innocent people for crimes. In one instance, she said, LAPD officers were placed under investigation — but seemingly avoided serious discipline — for sharing racist and misogynistic memes in private, cops-only social media groups in the wake of George Floyd’s murder in 2020. The Rampart case ultimately led to a federal consent decree, court oversight of the Police Department and a series of reforms. Longtime department observer Connie Rice said the case of the West Valley officer is indicative of the department’s failure to learn from the past. “The training is inadequate and veteran gang officers are saying there’s danger of being another Rampart,” Rice said.

Source: Los Angeles Times February 06, 2026 21:14 UTC