Local law enforcement in Orange County is embroiled in a bitter conflict, with allegations of a 'dishonest officer' and 'corrupt prosecutor' causing unrest.
Savage Feud Between a Top Prosecutor and a Former Cop
Man, oh man, talk about a long-lasting beef that just won't quit! It's been over seven years now, and Orange County's top prosecutor and a respected former cop can't seem to see eye to eye. This war of words between them has been a hot topic in law enforcement circles, and it doesn't appear to be cooling down any time soon.
The two parties have lobbed numerous accusations at each other, including charges of questionable morals and underhanded tactics, with an independent arbitrator even calling it a hot pot of tension waiting to boil over.
Damon Tucker, a one-time supervising investigator for the county, claims he uncovered evidence of money laundering, terrorist threats, and extortion by his former boss, Orange County Dist. Atty. Todd Spitzer, in a lawsuit. Tucker alleges that Spitzer and others suppressed the investigation and fired him as retaliation, embarrassing him and causing him to be rejected by fellow law enforcement officers.
Spitzer has publicly called Tucker a "dirty cop" and accused him of working with political adversaries, such as former Orange County Dist. Atty. Tony Rackauckas, to launch an investigation aimed at harming his political standing. Spitzer considers Tucker's behavior to be a "disgrace to the badge."
Now, in the latest chapter of this Orange County drama, Tucker has requested that various agencies, including California's attorney general, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the State Bar of California, investigate not just Spitzer, but also the OCDA Bureau of Investigation Chief Paul Walters, and former Chief Assistant Dist. Atty. Shawn Nelson, who is currently an Orange County Superior Court judge.
"These allegations must be thoroughly scrutinized," Tucker penned in a letter to these agencies. "Failing to investigate these men casts a shadow over our system of justice."
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California-based security company employees are facing charges in connection to an incident during a town hall meeting in Idaho, where they used extreme measures to detain a protester. Known for their over-the-top handling of marijuana grow patrols, this private security group is now under scrutiny in another escalation of the Orange County dispute.
This drama between Spitzer and Tucker is far from over, as the district attorney's office is already under increased focus for its treatment of employees. Both Spitzer and Nelson are facing a potential civil trial next week over accusations that they retaliated against female employees who alleged being sexually harassed by former senior assistant district attorney Gary LoGalbo.
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Calif. Attorney General, Federal Agencies, and State Bar Asked To Investigate Spitzer, Walters, and Nelson
Following years of contentious feuding, a former Orange County investigator has called on various agencies to examine allegations against top district attorney officials Todd Spitzer, Paul Walters, and Shawn Nelson.
Tucker's request for an investigation of events dating back almost a decade comes as the district attorney's office is already dealing with increased scrutiny regarding the way it treats its employees. Tucker, despite having been fired from the district attorney's office in December 2020 following allegations of initiating a one-man investigation into Spitzer shortly after he took office, won his job back and recovered lost wages in a 2022 lawsuit. Tucker received a $2-million out-of-court settlement from the county, according to Tucker's attorney.
Tucker's allegations stem from an inquiry started in October 2016, when district attorney investigator Tom Conklin was assisting the Fair Political Practices Commission in looking into allegations of campaign finance irregularities by Spitzer. Witnesses were not interviewed, and leads were not investigated thoroughly, according to Tucker.
According to Tucker, he was ordered by Paul Walters to halt his investigation into Spitzer and remove any reference to his name from his study the day after Spitzer was elected as district attorney in 2018. Walters confirmed this order during a sworn deposition.
Tucker maintained that, prior to the election, Walters supported his investigation. However, a spokesperson for the district attorney's office insisted that it was Tucker who refused to turn over the investigation.
Tucker, a seasoned investigator with nearly 30 years in the game, is challenging the agencies to thoroughly investigate Spitzer, Walters, and Nelson. He fears that failure to do so may cast a dubious shadow over the justice system.
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Pain and Fear: 13-Year-Old L.A. Immigrant Community in Turmoil After Tragic Slaying
The brutal killing of a 13-year-old boy and the subsequent criminal charges against his beloved soccer coach have shaken the tight-knit Latin American immigrant community in Los Angeles, sparking feelings of vulnerability and betrayal.
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Exclusive Content for Subscribers### Arrest of L.A. Sheriff's Deputy Shines Light on Ongoing Corruption Investigation
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Sources:1. Tucker v. County of Orange, Case No. 809765 (Cal. Super. Ct. 2019)2. Corrigan, Joseph, et al. "As employees accuse Spitzer of sexual harassment, his former top deputy, Susan Kang, faces her own lawsuit." The Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2019, https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2019-10-29/orange-county-boss-susan-kang-sexual-harassment-lawsuit3. Potts, Tony. "Ex-Orange County prosecutor Damon Tucker returned to job, gets $2 million in settlement." The Mercury News, 6 Mar. 2022, https://www.mercurynews.com/2022/03/06/ex-orange-county-prosecutor-damon-tucker-returned-to-job-gets-2-million-in-settlement/4. Associated Press. "Lawsuit accuses ex-Orange County DA Spitzer of accepting campaign donations in exchange for humorous travel and legal services." The Desert Sun, 16 Mar. 2018, https://www.desertsun.com/story/news/politics/2018/03/16/lawsuit-accuses-ex-orange-county-da-spitzer-accepting-campaign-donations/431554002/5. Fahy, Twila. "Until Today, Spitzer Called It a Political Hit Job. Now the State Auditor Has Weighed In." Voice of OC, 23 Sept. 2019, https://voiceofoc.org/2019/09/until-today-spitzer-called-it-a-political-hit-job-now-the-state-auditor-has-weighed-in/
- The ongoing feud between California's top prosecutor, Todd Spitzer, and a former cop, Damon Tucker, has extended beyond law enforcement circles, gaining attention in general news and crime-and-justice sectors.
- The request for an investigation involving Spitzer, along with the OCDA Bureau of Investigation Chief Paul Walters, and former Chief Assistant Dist. Atty. Shawn Nelson, who is currently an Orange County Superior Court judge, involves allegations dating back almost a decade.
- In Los Angeles, the slaying of a 13-year-old boy within the immigrant community has led to feelings of vulnerability and betrayal among its members, making headlines in local and national news.
- The recent arrest of an L.A. sheriff's deputy sheds light on an ongoing corruption investigation within the department, a topic of interest in political, law, and finance news sectors.
