Panel Urges Suspension of Officer Who Aided Fugitive

The Los Angeles Police Department panel that found a veteran sergeant guilty of protecting his fugitive son recommended a punishment of 33 days’ suspension without pay, a penalty that must be reviewed by Chief Willie Williams, police sources said Wednesday.

The three-member Board of Rights panel recommended that Sgt. Dennis Pelch be suspended for “inappropriately assisting” the travels of his son, a fugitive suspected of robbing banks in Canyon Country and Northridge in 1993.

Police sources described the case as highly unusual and emotional. They said Pelch, a highly regarded sergeant who is often chosen by other officers to represent them as a defense advocate in disciplinary matters, was placed in a tough position.

Panel members, who refused to discuss the case Wednesday, said they had never heard of a similar case.

Pelch’s attorney did not return telephone requests for comment Wednesday.

But police sources said Pelch denied withholding information about his son’s whereabouts and said he insists that he is innocent of wrongdoing. He was cleared on three other charges of withholding information and failing to cooperate with FBI and internal investigators.

The penalty, which could have ranged from a reprimand to dismissal, will be reviewed by the chief in the next several weeks.