4 Federal Judges Refuse to Hear Suit Against LAPD

Four federal judges have refused to hear a lawsuit against the Los Angeles Police Department after their colleague withdrew from the case, citing his disdain for city lawyers who had suggested he was biased.

Dean D. Pregerson, Nora M. Manella, Ronald S.W. Lew and William D. Keller gave various reasons why they cannot hear the politically charged case, which involves the LAPD’s controversial Special Investigations Section.

The case, actually several folded into one, accuses the city’s top brass of ignoring alleged misconduct and questionable tactics by SIS members.

The undercover unit has been criticized by some, and questioned by others, for its practice of watching as robberies occur before stepping in to confront suspects. Several people, including innocent bystanders, have been shot as a result.

In addition to the city, the department and the officers, the lawsuit names Mayor Richard Riordan, the City Council, past and present members of the Police Commission and the city attorney’s office.

On April 19, U.S. District Judge Spencer J. Letts quit the case, saying he had lost “the last vestige of respect” for defense counsel.

For more than three years, Louis “Skip” Miller, a lawyer for the officials, and Deputy City Atty. Corey Brente repeatedly tried to get Letts taken off the case.

The defense said Letts made “anti-police” statements, calling officers liars who adhere to a “code of silence.” The judge said the defense took his remarks out of context. After Letts recused himself, the case was assigned to Pregerson.

For now, the case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Consuelo B. Marshall. She has only had it a few days and has not said whether she has a conflict.