EXECUTIVE OFFICE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES MEMBERS OF THE BOARD
EXECUTIVE OFFICE UDA sous
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Men er oa
KENNETH HAHN HALL OF ADMINISTRATION
800 WEST TEMPLE STREET. ROOM 363 SHEA KUEHL
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90012 fee fa)
CELIA ZAVALA (213) 974-1411 » wrww.bes lacounty. gov
EXECUTIVE OFFICER KATHRIN BARGER
August 13, 2019
Via U.S. Mail and Email: [email protected]
Timothy K. Murakami
Undersheriff, Office of the Sheriff
County of Los Angeles
211 West Temple Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Dear Undersheriff Murakami:
Thank you for your August 12, 2019 letter to the individual members of the Board of
Supervisors (the "Board"), The Board appreciates the personal notification regarding
the serious allegations of potential criminal conduct perpetrated by current and former
members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (the “LASD"), as well as other
ancillary agencies, such as the Office of Inspector General (the "OIG"). The references
in your letter to a variety of potential crimes are very troubling, and the Board takes
these allegations against the LASD and other agencies very seriously.
The Board also understands that you are only at the initial stages of the investigation
and currently are not making any direct or inferred assertions. Moreover, while the
Board appreciates that the Sheriff has recognized the importance of avoiding even the
appearance of impropriety by recusing himself from this investigation, the Board
believes it is imperative and just as important that the LASD recuse itself from any
Portion of this investigation to avoid even the appearance of bias. The Board knows
you can appreciate the apparent conflict of interest and the inappropriate message it
sends to the community to have the LASD investigate the OIG, given that OIG's sole
purpose is to monitor and investigate the LASD.
Similar to the sentiment you expressed in your letter, the Board sincerely values its
Felationship with the LASD and the respective roles we play in serving the public that
counts on us. As a result, the Board believes it is essential that the Federal Bureau ofUndersheriff Murakami
August 13, 2019
Page 2
Investigation, the California Attorney General, or another independent third-party
investigative agency engage in this investigation to ensure objectivity and impartiality
Until then, the Board finds it premature to reassign anyone from their current duties.
However, the Board reserves the right to address any personnel matters at a later time
when more specific information is provided by the third-party investigative agency.
‘Thank you in advance for your cooperation. Please let me know when you are available
to discuss this matter further, specifically the engagement of a third-party investigative
agency. Your continued dedication and service to the residents of Los Angeles County
are greatly appreciated.
Celia Zavala
Executive Officer