CHP Dispatcher Pleads Guilty

A civilian California Highway Patrol dispatcher accused of illegally accessing a law enforcement database for a biker gang has pleaded guilty, prosecutors said Tuesday.

Bruce Paul Boysen, 40, of Sunland pleaded guilty Monday to one count of unauthorized computer access, a felony with a maximum sentence of three years in state prison, Deputy Dist. Atty. John Gilligan said. But by not going to trial, Boysen is expected to receive a 180-day jail sentence and probation.

Boysen was caught in a federal law enforcement undercover operation. An agent from the U. S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms infiltrated the Mongols, a motorcycle club, and his investigation resulted in the May arrest of 42 members on suspicion of crimes ranging from murder to narcotics offenses.

“During the course of the investigation, the agent was told by other Mongols that they had a contact in law enforcement who gave them information,” Gilligan said. Boysen was not a member of the club but hoped to join, he added.

Boysen met the agent at a Tujunga bar frequented by bikers, and when the man asked Boysen to look up information about his motorcycle registration, Boysen did so using his CHP computer, prosecutors said. Agency employees are prohibited from using the computers for anything other than official business.

Boysen, who worked in the CHP’s Hollywood office, was arrested June 23. His sentencing by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Jacob Adajian is scheduled Aug. 10.