Ex-Inglewood Police Officer Will Face Gambling Charges

Misdemeanor charges have been filed against a recently fired Inglewood police officer in connection with his alleged involvement in a bookmaking ring, the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office said Thursday.

Rick V. Freeman, an 11-year veteran, was among 15 officers implicated in an investigation that began in December with an anonymous tip to Inglewood Police Chief Oliver M. Thompson. Freeman was fired for his alleged role. The other officers--against whom no charges have been filed--were given suspensions of one to 30 days.

Last month, Freeman filed a $10-million claim against the city, complaining that his constitutional rights had been violated and alleging that search warrants served on his home, automobile and police station locker had been obtained through falsified information. The city has yet to respond to the claim, which could serve as a precursor to a lawsuit.

Freeman and Martin Casillas, who does not work for the Police Department, are scheduled to be arraigned Aug. 29 on charges of engaging in bookmaking, accepting wagers and recording wagers, according to prosecutors and Freeman’s attorney, Michael Stone.

Neither the Police Department nor the district attorney’s office provided further details Thursday about the charges.

However, Thompson said several months ago that the gambling occurred while the officers were on duty and involved sports betting connected to a bookie outside the department. Thompson did not identify the alleged bookie.