**California Attorney General Files Charges Against DA’s Aide: ‘No One Above the Law’**
In a bold move that has shaken the Los Angeles County legal community, California Attorney General Rob Bonta has filed a slew of charges against Diana Teran, a top official in LA County District Attorney George Gascón’s office.
League Against the Law
The office of the Attorney General accuses Teran of using sensitive police officer files that she accessed while working for the LA County Sheriff’s Department in 2018, and then inappropriately using that data at the DA’s office after joining in 2021. Bonta declared, “No one is above the law,” emphasizing that public officials are accountable for serving the public with honesty and integrity.
Legal Missile’s Defense
Teran’s attorney, James Spertus, dismissed the charges as a “non-starter,” expressing disbelief at the announcement. “The case is not prosecutable,” Spertus stated. He explained that the charges appear to stem from Teran’s duties, which included working with the “Brady List,” a public database that tracks information about police misconduct allegations.
Gascón’s Response
In a statement, Gascón’s office avoided addressing the charges directly but emphasized their commitment to transparency and police accountability. Gascón defended his office’s handling of records, reiterating the importance of providing exculpatory evidence to defendants while adhering to privacy laws.
Dueling Declarations
Spertus predicted a “race” to get the case dismissed, claiming that the Attorney General’s office is deliberately delaying the proceedings. “It’s really something you wouldn’t expect in law enforcement today,” he remarked, expressing astonishment at the case against a public official for performing official duties.
Awaiting a Verdict
The outcome of the charges against Teran remains uncertain, with both sides presenting compelling arguments. The legal battle is expected to unfold in the coming weeks and months, potentially setting a precedent for the prosecution of public officials and their handling of sensitive information.
Image Captions
- Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the charges at a news conference.
- California Governor Gavin Newsom appointed Bonta to the position in 2021.
- Teran’s attorney, James Spertus, labeled the charges “a non-starter” and predicted a speedy dismissal.
- Gascón’s office released a statement emphasizing their commitment to upholding transparency and police accountability.
