Former Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva has agreed to testify under oath about deputy gangs in front of the county’s Civilian Oversight Commission next month. This comes after years of resistance to subpoenas requesting his testimony. Villanueva’s lawyer notified the commission of his decision in a letter, stating that he is very willing to testify at the January 18 meeting. The change of heart occurred shortly after a county judge scheduled a hearing to determine if the former sheriff should be compelled to comply with the commission’s subpoenas. Villanueva’s attorney confirmed his intention to appear before the commission, emphasizing that he is now a private citizen. The former sheriff is currently running for county supervisor against incumbent Janice Hahn.
The Civilian Oversight Commission’s special counsel released a report earlier this year, revealing the existence of at least six active deputy gangs or cliques within the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The report also highlighted instances of misconduct by gang members, which have already cost taxpayers over $55 million. It further indicated that new deputy cliques form as members of existing groups retire or leave the department. The Men’s Central Jail was specifically mentioned in the report, suggesting the re-emergence of gangs despite previous efforts to eliminate excessive force behind bars.
The creation of the Civilian Oversight Commission in January 2016 aimed to enhance transparency and accountability within the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. However, the legal dispute with Villanueva began in 2020 when the Board of Supervisors granted the commission subpoena power, subsequently confirmed by voters through Measure R. Later that year, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law allowing oversight bodies throughout the state to issue subpoenas. The commission initially requested Villanueva’s testimony regarding his response to COVID-19 within the jails, resulting in legal proceedings. Villanueva managed to avoid a contempt hearing by voluntarily answering the commission’s questions. Nevertheless, the commission issued additional subpoenas, and the former sheriff resisted, leading to multiple court cases.
Villanueva’s lawyer argued that the legislation signed by Governor Newsom in 2020 mandated a two-step process, requiring a judge to issue an order directing Villanueva to comply with the subpoenas before contempt charges could be pursued. An appeals court agreed with this argument in September. County lawyers initiated the two-step process this month by requesting a hearing to determine whether the judge should order Villanueva to comply with the subpoenas.
The former sheriff’s agreement to testify marks a significant development in the long-standing dispute between him and the Civilian Oversight Commission. With Villanueva appearing before the commission, questions about deputy gangs and misconduct within the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department may finally be answered.
