LASD MOTORCYCLE MADNESS: Did Actions Have Consequences—or Not?
by Matthew FleischerIt appears that a Sheriff’s Department commander had his personal vintage motorcycle repaired and revamped by LASD mechanics on county time. If so, what was done about it?
Two months ago we reported the story of Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Commander David Waters, who, according to documents we obtained, and to eyewitnesses we spoke with, ordered LASD personnel in the facility services unit of the department’s Administrative Services division to do custom work on his vintage motorcycle on county time using county materials. Our sources told us that Waters instructed LASD personnel to fabricate an original exhaust piece for his bike in a Sheriff’s Department sheet metal shop–this just a month after he lectured facility services personnel to stop borrowing county tools to do work on their own time.
Because of our story, the Office of Independent Review contacted the LASD Internal Affairs Bureau and an investigation into Waters’ motorcycle antics was instigated.
Two weeks ago we got word that an internal LASD memo, called a JDIC, went out to all LASD personnel informing them that Waters would be “administratively transferred” away from Administrative Services—meaning he would removed from his position by executive order, and not under the typical transfer procedures that give LASD officials the discretion to refuse or accept a new assignment. Waters new position would be “Department Commander” in Sheriff’s Headquarters.
So, was Waters’ transfer punitive?
Sheriff’s Department spokesman Steve Whitmore confirmed to WitnessLA that the investigation into Waters’ alleged misdeeds has concluded. The Peace Officers Bill of Rights, however, prevents Whitmore from discussing specific punishments that may have been meted out in this case. He also declined to confirm whether there had been a “finding” in the investigation against Waters—“finding” meaning that Waters was determined to be guilty of violating LASD policy. Whitmore did, however, tell us this: “Nobody in the sheriff’s department, regardless of their rank, is above the code of conduct and policy that governs this department.”
Mike Gennaco at the Office of Independent review confirmed that some discipline was meted out in Waters case, though for the same reasons that constrained Whitmore, he couldn’t specify. “I’m glad there was a formal investigation. There was some accountability. I think some appropriate action was taken.”
Not all of our Sheriff’s Department sources agreed with Whitmore and Gennaco’s assessments that justice has been served. “He was taken care of,” one department source told us of Waters’ new assignment. “He’s on the 4th floor directly working and reporting to Tanaka.”
Our source went on to describe the transfer as a “joke,” since Waters is a longtime Tanaka campaign donor, and is reportedly closely aligned with the Undersheriff. Working directly for him is not a punishment, said our source—it only gives him more access to power.
I also ran the transfer by a former LASD Internal Affairs investigator, who has extensive knowledge of how department sanctions work in these types of investigations. “This transfer, if it goes through, is definitely considered the penalty box,” he said of Waters’ moving to headquarters. “But, the reality is this, if that’s the only thing that happens to him, that’s no punishment at all.”
He further pointed out that, if the complaint we previously reported on is accurate in its entirety, then Waters’ offenses—theft of county materials chief among them—would be grounds for suspension and possibly demotion.
According to sources in Administrative Services, Waters has not served any kind of suspension. They know this for sure because, as of last Friday, Waters still was in his former post, presiding over the division. Sources suggested it was an open question as to whether or not he would actually be transferred, despite the memo indicating his inevitable move.
Again, Whitmore refused to discuss the nature of Waters’ current assignment.
“I cannot discuss personnel matters, but I can tell you that an appropriate investigation occurred.”
Lies and more lies! The Department has sent out letters to complainants, all the time, to tell them on “Founded” investigations. And didn’t King Louie (Aero Bureau Capt) reveal misconduct by one of his deputies who was exposing Louie for theft? Same ol sh$$, different day!
I always thought theft was a crime, punishible by some sort of imprisonment. I must have been away from law enforcement for too long. I also thought that once the dollar value exceeds a certain amount, that the crime is a felony, punishible by over one year in a State prison. In fact, I remember sending lots of criminals to prison for that very offense. I guess that doesn’t apply to inner circle members.
Also, while this article addresses the theft of goods and services for restoring an Indian motorcycle (that may have been donated to the Sheriff Museum), it does not address the theft of goods and services used to modify the Commander’s personal Honda motorcycle with a trunk, while he was assigned to Mira Loma. What happened with that case?
Why would a Kawasaki Drifter go to the Sheriff’s Museum as a display item?
Oh my gosh, I think you’re right Don’t Smoke! They’ve been referring to the bike as an Indian, and I didn’t take a good hard look at it from the angle the picture is taken. So the whole thing is a fraud from the word go. Again, this is straight up Grand Theft. I wonder if we can get LAPD to write a report and make an arrest.
Ok IAB handled the case but Embezzlement is a felony and ICIB should of handled the case. The case should have gone to the DA’s office for final review not to Paul’s office. Someone needs to call the Attny General’s office because the Sheriff’s Department is failing to file criminal charges on Commander Waters. So who should we be afraid of…..
call me 626-222-9842
Vintage motorcycles are not my area of interest or expertise, but if Don’t Smoke Cigars and
Coyote Waits are correct about this motorcycle’s identification (or misidentification) – then maybe the Commander’s cycle just “popped a wheelie” right up my alley.
Scams, swindles, frauds, con games — for profit schemes. Using documents to steal money.
White-collar.
Crime.
The D.A. can handle any charges related to misappropriation of County resources by an individual.
This is now beyond the D.A.’s purview.
Don’t Smoke and Coyote Waits have stumbled (or rather rumbled) into possibly another major undiscovered scandal.
This incident needs referal to the Internal Revenue Service Fraud Investigation Unit.
They need to perform an Audit of personal property donations to the Sheriff Museum.
Let’s run the game here:
1.) take an old motorcycle of relatively insignificant collector value.
2.) replace some of the exterior parts with fabricated replica parts and alter some exterior markings.
3.) create paperwork documenting the motorcycle with it’s new vintage identity and current appraised collector value
4.) donate the motorcycle to a registered non-profit organization – such as a museum to add to their collection.
5.) the donor now takes the full appraised value of the donated motorcycle as a deduction to their taxable income. (subject to various limitations and/or exclusions which differ according to each person’s unique tax situation.)
Has the Sheriff’s Museum been accepting replicas into its collection and issueing receipts based on phony appraisals?
while the museum curator turns a blind eye to the wet paint rubbing off the fender of the vintage Indian?
The I.R.S. frowns on this type of criminal tax fraud.
They can call a meeting with Commander Waters to determine if he is playing this game.
The I.R.S. will also need to examine the C.P.A. who is advising Commander Waters and the Sheriff Museum on tax deductible charitable donations.
Suspension of his professional licensing could be in order.