As most readers are aware, as a part of our Dangerous Jails series, which has been probing problems and dysfunction at the highest levels in the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, WitnessLA is examining reported irregularities within the department’s air support unit known as Aero Bureau. (See Part 1 and Part 2)
In the course of our investigation, we obtained an internal memo written by a former Aero Bureau pilot, Sergeant Richard Gurr.
The memo concerns a $29 million contract to do completion work on the LASD’s 12 new Eurocopter AStar helicopters. It contends the contract may be loaded with huge overcharges and perplexing amounts of unnecessary equipment, all to the tune of up to $11 million. In addition, the memo alleges that some Aero Bureau supervisors colluded to rig the bidding process in favor of a small So Cal avionics firm called Hangar One.
For the record, we did not obtain the Gurr report from Sergeant Gurr himself. (Nor, in our understanding, did the LA Times, which also obtained the same internal memo.) We were given the document by another source inside the sheriff’s department who knew of our investigation.
To put this more clearly, Sgt. Gurr did not give his memo to the press. He acted within appropriate, non-public channels in an attempt alert the sheriff’s department to what he and others with knowledge of the Hangar One contract—like Lt. Ed Cook— believed was provable fiscal wrongdoing with a very large price tag attached.
When the department’s response was to dismiss Gurr’s and Cook’s allegations as baseless complaints by “disgruntled employees,” and then to continue with rumor campaigns and other retaliations against Gurr and Cook, Sheriff’s department personnel with whom we are in touch, who were also in possession of the memo, gave the document to us early in March of this year. We are told that the LA Times got the memo in a similar fashion.
The Gurr memo, which you can find here, is ten pages in length. The report also includes nearly 30 pages of auxiliary material that we’ll put up later this afternoon. However these ten pages are what is the most important.
We welcome your analysis. Let us know what you see.
This document is very complete and looks like the work of a person who was very concerned about what was happening and the waste of taxpayer funds. The Sheriff’s Department has overused the “Disgruntled Employee” card especially in this case.
Based on this document, it looks like there was a complete failure by the Sheriff’s Department and the County to have a holistic review of both the bid documents and the response because if there was, it would not pass the smell test. I could bet that the process was very compartmentalized and controlled by the so called experts at Aero Bureau, so when each reviewer looked at their part it looked ok.
What is very troubling is the minimum requirements for the vendor. This is the place where there could easily be corruption because the requirements can be manipulated to ensure that the vendor you want wins. I an surprised that the County attorney did not question this.
This perhaps is what the FBI calls, “A smoking cannon.” We will have to await the completion of the BOS audit and see what their reaction will be. It will be very interesting to see what ICIB; did or did not establish in their completed package submitted to the Public Integrity Unit of the LA County DA’s office. Was this in fact a “full and complete” investigation? If not, why? Another reason why the State Attorney General’s Office along with other public integrity agencies should take over this case and those like it (COPS Bureau, etc) where Federal/State/County grant monies have been alleged to have been misused for years.
Someone mentioned in one of the posting, that King Louie Duran and his loyal crew (remember, he “demands” loyalty – per the Tanaka handbook of tyrant management) were wined and dined by the Hanger One folks. That is a major violation of ethics and perhaps, the law. If folks have “specific” information on any inappropriate relationship with Hanger One during this contract, perhaps they would be so kind to share what they know. The FBI IS monitoring this story. Just the facts folks, please.
Now we can await Baghdad Bob Whitmore’s extensive response. Press 1 for “Disgruntled employee” Press 2 for “There is nothing to these allegations” Press 3 for “The Sheriff welcomes an investigation” Press 4 for “We are eager to provide our side of this story at a later time” Press 5 for “Sheriff Baca and Undersheriff Tanaka are both eager to hold a news conference and answer all of your questions on this or any other matter” Press 6 for “The Sheriff was unaware of this situation as he was out of the country” Press 7 for “Disgruntled employee” Press 8 for “Inarticulate and juvenile outburst of denial by Captain Duran” Press 9 for “Repeat these options”
Meanwhile, patrol deputies can hardly find working/safe radio cars on the line (especially ASAP cars), to say nothing of patrol rifles. For all the statistical reporting out department does, the procurement and materiel distribution process seems pretty loosey-goosey. Even if Aero went around the normal procurement process, it seems like a multi-million dollar overage still should have been caught (at multiple levels).
I almost didn’t log on to WLA, due to the ongoing immature mud-slinging. What a pleasant surprise to hear such intelligent, and informed comments. It seems that the reality of the situation is starting to sink in. @Jake…regarding being surprised that the county attorney didn’t “question” what was going on.It is possible that he stood to gain more by ignoring it,than exposing it. Who knows what friends of his may have gotten tangled in that web.Even the State Atty.General office could have some ties, and therefore be reluctant to “fully investigate” what has happened. And this doesn’t just go for county crooks….it goes all the way up the chain, and only the really honest and ethic people will choose to act. @Very Interesting…what an incredible sense of humor you have…please keep posting !!
Great job Celeste. Not too sure about all of the aviation nonsense included in the memo or what it means. Hopefully the audit will shed some light. I get the feeling even if the grand jury or FBI look at this closer, there will be some who won’t be satisfied. Have you been able to find out any more about the purchase and bid? Were there other bidders? If so, do you know what the bids were? A FOI act request could answer some questions unless the county or sheriffs department fails to release such items. This seems a bit dirty. Once again, well done.
“So far, no other competitive bids from other companies have been produced for cost comparison” Great job Celeste…always better to get all the facts after your report.
Why is it that none of these other competitive aviation companies have complained about this multi-million dollar purchase? Do they have so much business during these tough economic times that they don’t care? That doesn’t sound right. Did anyone else bid?
And why haven’t we heard about the Internal Services Department yet? They made the purchase for the Sheriff’s Department. Did they violate any rules? What kind of oversight do they have?
Is it possible to have any real investigative journalism? Or are we getting more cut and paste specials.
No cut and paste, just a legal document courtesy of county employees. The new audit will cover all aspects of the contract. Not the “candy ass” watered down version everyone saw
The Auditor-Controller, OIR, ICIB all have committed to nothing was found out of policy! How can this be without a conspiracy to commit fraud or theft? Our entire structure of people and professionalism has been brought down to a level unseen since ARCO_NARCO. This I place full responsibility on Baca!!
You know, I’m reading these blogs and its interesting a few years back I came across a sheriffs helicopter while hiking in the mountains of the North County, and I was puzzled, the pilot Riken) was loading firewood in the helicopter. Money well spent !
What a coincidence! I saw that Riken too! He was up at pyramid lake with helicopter floats on. He was sitting on the big baloon floats with his fishing pole. Looked like a hell of alot of fun!
I saw Riken once too. He was handing out Easter candy, wait he was putting presents under a Christmas tree in Aspen,Colorado, no wait, I saw him on St. Patricks Day granting wishes. You guys (Coincidence and Blue Piggy) are great. Don’t ever change. When you tuck your kids in tonight, make sure to tell them about your postings on this site. I’m sure they’ll be proud of you taking potshots at people. Let the auditor and DA do their jobs and stop acting like children.
Oh, I agree with more info says. This is really getting off point, and yes, I agree I have been an ass at times too.
But for the followers of this article, please go back to the aero bureau irregularities and reference my post 99 and subsequent posts.
Do you see how quiet it has been since i posted? I have challenged the Aero Bureau personnel to step up and display the courage, integrity, and honesty in bringing any alleged misconduct to light. That’s why they took an oath to uphold the law, etc, etc. So far, no takers. I ask again if anyone will step up and have the courage to do the right thing.
I know I will, but under a different scenario, but rest assured will be published by WLA. Timing is everything.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Dear commenters, Please don’t post comments that read only: test.
We don’t post them.
Celeste- And why did you not get the memo from Gurr himself? Do you think it might be because he has cost the taxpayers and county I’d say a minimum of hmmm…I won’t speculate the actual cost but it’s substantial, by flying around his family and friends on the taxpayer dime! Maybe a thorough internal investigation will find more, but for now??? Anyways if true, wouldn’t that really be “the kettle calling the pot black”?? To be honest I wouldn’t hand it over personally either! Oh well, like several of the posts here say to you “Great Reporting” not sure I concur but I hope you keep this post up!!! Just Hoping you will do the right thing!
FURTHER- Have you thought maybe everyone is getting a little tired of your gas? Your post 99 is like most of your posts after your very first one, JIVE! Try to be objective, give good analysis of what’s really being posted and of what is verified “at this point”! If you are right then justice served, if you are wrong, then you should be served!! Keep your posts coming, but once you hit the wine bottle, relax and watch reruns of CHEERS! It’s really funny! BTW, some people when they drink wine as opposed to hard liquor, have a total different chemical reaction! Just trying to help you!
Sorry people, just doing the “FTF” thing! I haven’t chimed in for a few days but I won’t lie and say I am in Hawaii and need to get coffee! “JAKE”, really??? Your words sound of a poster here that has changed his name! If you are going to change names try to write differently to throw us off, OK? For now, out of the goodness of my heart, I am going to believe you are another opinion!!! Just trying to help you, too! Good God!!
Mole , Mole, Mole, What can I say. Well, yes you have to agree this post has been very quiet since, my post 99. Unfortunately, we are at an impasse until someone sees the light and does the right thing.
As far as justice, I hope I’m wrong in my opinions. Unfortunately, in every paper, media outlet, etc., there are opinion sections. Kind of like here. So when you say I should be served if I’m wrong, do you mean legal service?
Wow, maybe you aren’t who you think you are. LET, CSO, Volunteer? You need to google some legal websites.
So, maybe you’re just the one tired of my gas. Get over it. And who knows, Jake, blue piggy, coincedence or even you could actually be me changing it up to entertain the rest of the bloggers. I like arguing with myself.
Please see post 99.
Ok, FTF, I concede. You are right about post 99. I would be remiss in my view not to agree that the noble thing is to follow ethics and morals in our daily lives.
I appreciate your views and sincerely apologize to you and all the other bloggers for acting immature and viewing the world through rose colored glasses
Nice Job “FTF”, “The Mole says Says” you replied as me or this BLOG let it go through, Hmmmm…..!!! I never wrote that!!! I would never concede to you!!! Have you lost your mind? Hey, look at the time 9:14pm, when the post was sent, it’s wine time! I sincerely hope this BLOG can control this kind of deception or else it’s credibility goes down the drain. I believe another poster said that someone was using their name as well to post comments. “FTF” you are starting to succeed in making this BLOG a farce!!! Have a glass of wine, it’s a new day!
Seriously, can you get a job? With this rain the weeds in my backyard are getting tall. I already told you I will hire you! JA!! Hopefully you know what JA means? If not, the “J’ stands for Jack!!!
Further To Follow is 918 and should be blocked from this site. Instead the editor protects him and removes blogs that ridicule his behavior. Who knows how many other blog names he uses.
I posted for illustration purposes. Either way the continuous emails implicating me as a migrant worker is deplorable.’
Are you saying because you have yard work I am perceived as an undocumented alien? That’s deplorable and warrants a warning then removal for continuation.
I wonder if the Dimas Rangers are behind any of this?
Dimas Rangers? Is that like the Lynwood Vikings? No comparison dude
Celeste, have you been able to find out if any other companies bid on this contract? There are many unanswered questions from this memo such as labor prices and equipment costs. If it was written solely for this company then I think this is surely one dirty bunch. If others bid, why did this inexperienced company get selected? Have you been able to get to the bottom of this or are you waiting for the audit report. Just curious.
NTK,
All good questions. I’ll attempt to answer most of these in Part 3 of the Aero Bureau series, which I hope to have out before the end of the month.
Right now, however, I’m up to my eyeballs in other non-LASD-related work that needs my attention—-including overseeing two new reporters, and prep for a statewide expansion of the site that will kick in late next fall.
I hate taking time away from things like the Aero Bureau investigation. It vexes me greatly. But such is the practical reality of running a site like this one.
I’ll have it out soon, though. Promise.
Celeste? Part 3? what is going on?
Follow the trail……….peach tree city GA..everyone know the deal. Hangar one is just the tip