1999: THE YEAR IN REVIEW
The Los Angeles Police Department was rocked by its worst corruption scandal in six decades, one that promises to continue unfolding into the new year.
The investigation, fueled by the testimony of former officer turned informant Rafael Perez, includes allegations that officers in the LAPD’s Rampart Division were involved in improper shootings, evidence planting, false arrests, witness intimidation, beatings, theft, drug dealing and perjury.
Perez, shown Tuesday in court, is expected to get a five-year sentence on cocaine theft convictions in exchange for his cooperation.
Since September, when the scandal broke wide open, more than a dozen LAPD officers have been relieved of duty. The district attorney’s office has embarked on an unprecedented review of hundreds of criminal cases to determine whether innocent people have been sent to prison. So far, four men have had their convictions overturned and have been released from state custody. Others, some of whom already have served their time, have had their cases reversed or dismissed in the interest of justice.
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