Top Deputy of Controversial Los Angeles DA Faces 11 Felony Charges for Allegedly Misusing Sheriff’s Data
In a bombshell development, Diana Teran, the right-hand woman of progressive Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon, has been charged with nearly 11 felonies. The California Attorney General’s Office alleges that Teran illegally accessed and used confidential information about 11 Los Angeles County deputies for her own purposes.
Allegations and Charges
As a former member of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office, Teran is accused of obtaining sensitive data on deputies while employed there. Upon joining the DA’s office, she allegedly “impermissibly” used this information, including material that could have been used to assist criminal defendants and hinder line prosecutors under her supervision.
The charges against Teran include:
- Accessing a protected computer network without authorization
- Taking or accessing confidential information with intent to defraud or deceive
- Identity theft
- Forgery
- Perjury
Conflict of Interest
Adding intrigue to the case, it emerged that Teran remained as the leader of the DA’s ethics and integrity unit for months despite an investigation into her own conduct. This raises concerns about a potential conflict of interest, as she was responsible for investigating misconduct allegations against police officers and public officials.
Left-Wing DA’s Anti-Police Agenda
Gascon, a Democrat elected on an anti-police platform, has come under fire for his progressive policies, including a blanket directive to not seek the death penalty and a ban on cash bail for most crimes. Critics argue that these policies have eroded public safety, emboldened criminals, and demoralized law enforcement.
Alleged Misuse of Brady Material
The charges against Teran also involve allegations that she illegally introduced sensitive information about police misconduct into DA databases. Under the Supreme Court’s “Brady” ruling, prosecutors are required to disclose such evidence to defense attorneys. However, experts note that Brady does not require handing over all unflattering information about police officers, and some of the information Teran took may have included unfounded or unsustained allegations.
Gascon Defends Policies
Despite the charges against his close associate, Gascon has defended his Brady policy. He claims that it complies with both constitutional obligations to turn over potentially exculpatory evidence and state and federal privacy laws.
Prosecutor Union Slams Gascon
The Association of Deputy District Attorneys, a union that has been critical of Gascon’s policies, expressed outrage over the latest accusations. They questioned what Gascon knew about Teran’s actions and called for accountability.
Negative Impact on Civil Cases
The union also highlighted the financial toll of Gascon’s leadership, claiming that the county has incurred millions of dollars in civil cases due to his policies.
Call for Reform
Former federal prosecutor Nathan Hochman, who is challenging Gascon in the upcoming November election, condemned the DA’s “demonstrated record of poor judgment.” He emphasized the need for reform in the DA’s office to ensure fairness and the rule of law.
Independent Investigation Continues
The case is being handled by the state attorney general’s office due to the conflict of interest. Investigations are ongoing, and the outcome of the felony charges against Diana Teran remains to be seen.
Data sourced from: foxnews.com
