D.A. Won’t Probe Conduct of Long Beach Official

Having reviewed more than 200 pages of material about possible misconduct by Long Beach City Prosecutor John VanderLans, the district attorney’s office said Thursday it will not open its own inquiry.

“After a thorough assessment of the material provided to us, we have concluded that an investigation by this office is not warranted in light of the previous investigative efforts,” stated a letter that was hand-delivered to the Long Beach Police Department. “Therefore, in view of our factual and legal analysis of the material provided, we will take no further action in regard to this matter and consider the case closed.”

The district attorney’s office examined information that former Long Beach Police Chief Lawrence L. Binkley had secretly compiled about VanderLans, who has been criticized by police for allegedly being soft on gambling and vice crimes.

VanderLans, who said he has never seen the police files nor been contacted by the district attorney’s office, said he was relieved that the matter is finished. “I’m happy that it’s over. I don’t know what else to say.”