LAPD Multi-Level Cover-Up

LAPD Hollywood officers removed a subject from a police car and placed him in handcuffs. When the individual resisted, the officers brought him to the ground and applied leg restraints.

After securing the restraints, the officers began carrying the subject back to the police car but suddenly set him back on the ground. At that moment, one of the officers stepped on the subject’s face.

The officer’s action immediately outraged onlookers, several of whom were recording the incident. One man can be heard angrily shouting, “Keep your foot off his fucking face.”

After the video went viral, the LAPD Chief of Police issued a statement in which he appeared to acknowledge that the officer struck the man in the head with his foot.

I went to the LAPD Hollywood station in an attempt to identify the officer. The supervisor told me that since an investigation into the incident had begun, they were unable to provide his identity.

Later, I went back to the Hollywood Division station to file a crime report against the unidentified officer.

I asked about the involved officer’s current duty status, specifically whether they had been removed from field duty. After checking with a lieutenant, the front desk officer informed me that they unable provide that information at that time.

LAPD Lieutenant Rippe called me to confirm that they had received the crime report I filed against the officer for battery. 

When I asked if the case would be referred to prosecutors, he explained that it would automatically be sent to both the City Attorney and District Attorney for filing consideration. However, that turned out not to be the case.

On August 10, 2022, I sent an email to LAPD Chief inquiring about whether the case had been or would be forwarded to the District Attorney’s office. Chief Moore replied confirming that the department would be referring the case to the District Attorney in accordance with LAPD protocols.

It’s important to note that both Chief Moore and Lieutenant Rippe confirmed the incident would be referred to prosecutors, a detail that will be important in future developments.

Lizabeth Rhodes, the Director of the LAPD Office of Constitutional Policing, provided the LAPD’s findings. The LAPD’s criminal investigation exonerated the officer.

Rhodes stated that the LAPD had determined that the officer lifted his foot to protect himself from potential spitting by the individual. Upon descending, the officer’s foot landed on the ground without making contact with the individual’s face — a contention which is demonstrably false.

Two contentions made by Director Rhodes are contradicted by the video evidence.

The footage definitively captures the officer’s foot contacting the subject’s head, as evidenced by the visible distortion of the skin on the face and the sudden movement of his head. Additionally, the video clearly captures audio of the individual asserting that the officer stepped on his face.

I sent three emails to Director Rhodes asking for an update on the criminal case that, according to Chief Moore and Lieutenant Rippe, was supposed to be forwarded to the District Attorney. Contrary to the assurances given by the Chief of Police, Director Rhodes confirmed that the case had not been sent to the District Attorney.

Rhodes stated that if I wanted the matter to move forward, I would need to take it up with the District Attorney’s office myself

Previously, both Chief Moore and lieutenant Rippe assured me that, in line with LAPD protocols, the case would be automatically referred to the District Attorney. Now, Chief Moore stated that the case was not sent to the LA District Attorney because it did not meet the necessary criteria.

But, Chief Moore said because policy allows for cases to be forwarded to the District Attorney if there is an ‘extraordinary public interest in the investigation’ he has decided to now forward to the District Attorney.

Seperate from filing a crime report against the unnamed officer, I emailed LAPD Chief Michel Moore a formal complaint against the officer for violating the department’s use-of-force policy.

I also filed a separate complaint against Sergeant Daymon, a supervisor at the scene, for failing to disclose the officer’s name to witnesses who requested it. Additionally, I expressed concerns to Chief Moore about the recurring issue of LAPD officers failing or refusing to properly identify themselves when requested.

Chief Moore confirmed receipt of my complaint and said I would also receive an Internal Affairs receipt.

LAPD Internal Affairs cleared the officer involved and classified the complaint as “demonstrably false,” claiming that body-camera footage showed no contact between the officer’s foot and the subject’s head. This assertion was directly contradicted by video evidence clearly showing the contact occurred.

I filed a complaint against Director Rhodes of the Office of Constitutional Policing for falsely stating that the officer did not step on the subject’s face and for claiming that the subject never mentioned the officer making contact with his head.

In December 2023, I received a disposition letter from the Chief of Police informing me that my allegations had been classified as unfounded.

Several prominent local officials, including Mayor Karen Bass and Councilmembers Hugo Soto-Martinez, Nithya Raman, Eunisses Hernandez, and Marqueece Harris Dawson, were kept informed about the investigation into an LAPD officer stepping on a man’s face.

Despite receiving detailed updates and direct communications, none of these officials issued public statements or took action.

Their inaction raises concerns about their commitment to accountability and transparency in cases of police misconduct.

The LAPD engaged in a multi-level coverup. When presented with solid evidence, the LAPD denied the misconduct, dismissed the video, and protected the officer. Facts: 

1. The LAPD Lied About the Incident: The LAPD’s claims were proven false by video evidence.
2. Chief of Police Contradicted Himself: Chief Michel Moore initially described the act as serious and unauthorized but later reversed his stance, supporting the LAPD’s false claim that no contact occurred.
3. Chief of Police Lied About Referring the Case to Prosecutors: Chief Moore falsely assured the case would automatically be referred to the District Attorney. However, this referral only occurred months later, I pressured him to force action.
4. Internal Affairs Lied in Its Findings: Internal Affairs falsely claimed that video and body-camera footage proved no contact occurred. They classified the complaint as “demonstrably false,” raising concerns about potential retaliation against the complainant.
5. Office of Constitutional Policing Assisted in the Cover-Up: The LAPD used Director Rhodes to present the findings of the Internal Affairs investigation, during which multiple false claims were made.
6. LAPD Commission and Inspector General Assisted in the Cover-Up: The civilian oversight commission, tasked with holding the LAPD accountable, allowed their investigative arm to participate in concealing LAPD misconduct.
7. Elected Officials’ Silence: Local politicians, despite being presented with the facts, failed to take action or issue public statements. Their silence was both shameful and enabling.