The Association of Deputy District Attorneys (ADDA) in Los Angeles has filed a lawsuit against District Attorney George Gascon for not providing complete information regarding Diana Teran, a top Gascon aide facing felony charges. The prosecutors sought Teran’s emails and information about her employment status after her indictment, as well as details on whether taxpayers were funding her criminal defense. The lawsuit aims to compel Gascon’s office to disclose the requested records, declare the DA in violation of the California Public Records Act (CPRA), and pay attorney fees for the denied requests.
Neama Rahmani, a former federal prosecutor, highlighted the potential delay tactics by Gascon and county lawyers in releasing information until after Election Day, especially considering Teran’s close relationship with Gascon. Teran was indicted by California Attorney General Robert Bonta in April for allegedly stealing computer files with information on Los Angeles sheriff’s deputies. Gascon has been accused of violating the CPRA by unlawfully delaying and obstructing access to public records, as per Ryan Erlich, the ADDA’s vice president.
Gascon’s office has previously refused public records requests, including financial information related to defending Gascon in a lawsuit filed by the ADDA. John Lewin, a deputy district attorney suing Gascon in a whistleblower retaliation lawsuit, criticized Gascon’s disregard for the law and predicted his electoral defeat and subsequent legal battles. Gascon’s office declined to comment on pending litigation. Gascon is facing over 20 lawsuits from prosecutors and four from their union, reflecting a pattern of legal confrontation due to information transparency issues.
California lacks a mechanism for appealing record denials, requiring seekers to resort to legal action against the agency. Gascon has been accused of believing he is above the law due to his position, as highlighted by Lewin. Gascon’s opponent in the upcoming election, Nathan Hochman, emphasized the need for Gascon to prioritize crime victims over his political interests and comply with the law. ADDA President Michele Hanisee expressed frustration over the necessity of legal action to obtain public documents that should be readily available.
The ongoing legal battles between Gascon and prosecutors signal a broader issue of transparency and accountability within the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office. Gascon’s perceived resistance to providing public records and his numerous legal challenges from within his office raise concerns about his commitment to upholding the law and serving the interests of the public. As Gascon faces scrutiny over his handling of information disclosure and faces a tough re-election battle, the outcome of these lawsuits may have significant implications for his future as District Attorney of Los Angeles.
