Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell has launched an investigation into the fact that the department’s third in command, Assistant Sheriff Michael Rothans, has been driving a stolen luxury car—a 2012 Audi A4—for the past year—a car that he bought for an unusually low price from the owner of a tow company, which has a lucrative contract with the department.
In a statement released Thursday, McDonnell emphasized that the probe into the matter of his assistant sheriff and the stolen Audie would be thorough and transparent, and that the Inspector General Max Huntsman would be involved.
“Upon taking office, I made it clear that I expect every member of the Department to be held to the highest standard,” the sheriff said. “Immediately upon learning of this incident, I ordered an administrative investigation into the facts of this case and notified the inspector general. This matter will be handled thoroughly and fairly and I welcome the engagement of the Inspector General in helping us evaluate the underlying facts.
The investigation was triggered when the LA Times’ Cindy Chang, who broke the story Thursday morning, began asking the department questions last week about Rothans and the stolen car.
As it happens, the fact that the assistant sheriff was driving a car that was stolen is not, actually, the main issue. More potentially problematic is the fact that the vehicle was impounded by the department. (Buying LASD impounded items is reportedly a no-no.) Worse, in terms of appearance, is the matter that Rothans bought the car from the head of a tow company—Vernola’s Towing—-that has a contract with the department. Furthermore, starting in 2006 when Rothans was made captain of the LASD’s Pico Rivera station, he was the person who had the final say-so over the awarding of the tow contract. Even now, as assistant sheriff overseeing patrol, Rothans could theoretically favor or nix the contract with Vernola’s.
Rothans told the Times’ Chang that he considered the sale a private transaction between friends and believed it not to be against the rules. “I didn’t think I was manipulating the policy or that a car was changing hands so I could get a special deal. I bought the car from someone I’ve been friends with for 20 years. Looking at the policy, I still don’t think I did anything wrong.”
And maybe he’s right.
Then again, maybe not. As things stand now, it seems there were some possible red flags when it comes to the car’s title history (or lack thereof), and its purchase, that the assistant sheriff could or should have seen.
AN ABANDONED AUDI
The 2012 Audi came to the authorities’ attention when its driver, an alleged gang member, was stopped at a drunk-driving checkpoint in Pico Rivera, and the driver was arrested for alleged weapons violations, the car towed and impounded.
The car had been stolen from a dealership in Mission Viejo on Dec. of 2011, but didn’t pass through the check-point for another two years. Somewhere during that two-year gap, the Audi’s VIN number was switched with that of a non-stolen 2010 Audi A4, thus the impounded car wasn’t flagged as jacked.
In LA County, a vehicle’s owner has a maximum of 180 days to claim an impounded car (less in some cases). If one is arrested or otherwise incapacitated, one generally empowers a friend or family member to pick up one’s car and pay the impound fees.
But no one came to claim the Audi.
In the case of an unclaimed car, it is advertised for sale in the paper and sold in a “lien sale” by the tow company, which, in turn gets to recoup its costs off the top, plus a little extra. Any additional $$ left from the sale price goes to the DMV.
The Audi A4, however, didn’t sell. When that occurs, the vehicle becomes the property of the tow company. The company’s head, Lisa Vernola, told the Times that, after the non-sale, she decided to put the pretty Audi in her name. But some time later, she claims she figured the car had too many problems, and she resolved to unload it.
The Audi caught Rothans’ attention when he dropped by the tow company to meet Vernola’s father, Luigi Vernola, for lunch. (The senior Vernola is a Norwalk city council member and former Norwalk mayor.) Sometime shortly thereafter, Lisa Vernola sold Rothans the car for $3000.
Both Vernola and Rothans maintain that the three grand was a fair price, because the car was minus a radio and had some body damage in the back. In addition, Vernola told the Times that sometimes she had trouble starting the thing, and that it needed a new engine. (Even if there was problem getting the car to start, why that would mean a new engine is not clear.)
In any case, the implication was that lots of costly repairs were needed.
Department spokesman Commander Keith Swensson said that delving into the cost of such repairs would be among the questions that would be asked during the investigative process.
In the meantime, a cursory perusal of the Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, and other like sites, shows that a 2010 Audi A4 with the 24000 miles Rothans claimed when he registered it—even if it was in “poor’ or “rough” condition—would sell today for between $11,000 and $13,150. If the condition is raised to “fair,” the price jumps to $12,500 to $15,000. Returned to a paltry “good” condition and you’re in the $17,000 range. Moreover, let’s just say Vernola was right about the engine, has anyone priced new engines for Audi A4s including labor? We have. They’re pricey, but they don’t break the bank.)
All this is to say that, if that the car was drivable—which it obviously was at the time it was impounded— and not demolition-derby trashed, that $3,000 price tag sounds like a gift.
THE 2010 IS A 2012
In late August, after Rothans had been driving the car in his non-working hours for about a year, the stolen VIN number was finally flagged and Rothans got a notice from the DMV informing him that he needed to take his now fixed-up Audie in for a “VIN verification.” When he brought the car in, a CHP officer reportedly spotted the phony VIN on or around the dashboard, and also located a secondary “real” VIN in a less obvious place on the auto. The 2010 Audi A4 was, in reality, a 2012 A4—and stolen. (Not to put too fine a point on things, but that makes its value—banged up or pristine—considerably higher. Also, during all these repairs, did no one report that they were working on a 2012, not a 2010? The models are similar, but not identical.)
Now the heisted Audie 2012 has been returned to its rightful owners at the dealership, and Rothans is out the $3000 he paid for car and whatever repairs it required. In other words, he’s a victim, along with the car’s original owner, the dealership.
However, one does wonder why an obviously savvy law enforcement veteran of more than 30 years of service, wouldn’t at least ask a few questions about the car’s likely questionable provenance, and a few more questions about his own possibly questionable actions in buying it.
Does not pass the smell test. Rothans should have known better.
Along those lines, banished former ALADS president Floyd Hayhurst bought the association’s vehicle (a van) for himself, during his tenure.
What is it with these guys and their sense of entitlement?
On about August 2008, an ex-Compton Traffic Sgt. (J.O) received 2 cars from the city contracted tow yard. Both were gifted right after the Compton DUI/CDL check points: 6GWV413 and 6GUH442. The ex-Compton Motor Officer (J.H) received a Jeep: 6HKR215.
Per 5201(a) CVC, the license plate is public information, as posted and visible to others
Rothans told the Times’ Chang that he considered the sale a private transaction between friends and believed it not to be against the rules. “I didn’t think I was manipulating the policy or that a car was changing hands so I could get a special deal. I bought the car from someone I’ve been friends with for 20 years. Looking at the policy, I still don’t think I did anything wrong.”
This statement should seal the deal on his fieit. Taking no responsibility.
Just read the post… Oops fate..
5201(a)CVC, you’ve posted that info twice now. I’m sure you have some personal beef with J.O., but unless J.O. is in an authority position screwing over department members left and right like Rothans, it’s not earth shattering. Let IAB or Huntsman know and call it a day.
When you peel back the multiple layers of this onion, you will find Vernola’s fingers all over Rothans’ assignments. Something about a station gym, a statue, and multiple B to V teams after a switch of tow companies. Hmmmm, could this be pay to play? Rothans would know well, considering how much he invested for the three stars on his collar…
Sounds like quite the lapse in judgement on MR’s part. JM is now witnessing firsthand the group of stooges that make up part of the exec management of the LASD. The follies continue. Heck, LASD can’t even figure out what uniform to wear at a public ceremony. The Sheriff must be very worried at what he is seeing. I wonder if MR informed JM back in August that he was driving a G-ride?
Funny how Mike had “significant” work done, yet he claims he “may” have “one” receipt but “unable” to find it. With the same forked tongue he is shocked and can’t believe it. Then he calls himself a victim. Are you serious?
The icing on the cake is that he is hoping his insurance will reimburse him for his loss. A questionable loss of $3000.00 from the pay of the LASD Assistant Sheriff. Totally busted and embarrassing.
Obviously it still “Pays to Play”
Double standard.
Another point for the right wing leadership in the Sheriff Department.
YIKES, What happened? I kissed Tanaka’s ass behind the scenes, after he left I wormed my way into Baca’s Chief of Staff, he left and I was way up in Scott and got promoted. Jim McD came in and bought all I sold and I stayed A/S being a main shot caller. Where did it go wrong? Your multiple faces and back stabbing caught up with you. Captains tired of you becoming a mini Mr T in the Crime Management Forum and doing your magic shuffles for promotions of your little empire you tried to build. Somebody had an open shot and took it!
I am shocked that you were so arrogant and bold in this little corruption case where you actually registered the car in your name. The next time Cindy Chang wants a quote, call her back. Your explanation of what and why you did, is offensive at the least. You cry out that YOU are a victim? Your biggest concern is if the insurance company will reimburse you. She caught you off guard. After all this, you still don’t see a problem with the policy as written and what you did. Oh, you might want to update your 700 form on gifts received. It is not your estimate it is fair market value you must claim.
When did you tell Jim McD about this? How did you start off that dialogue? Was it after CHP recovered the Victor and you realized this was an off duty incident and you are mandated to report it? or was it after LA Times called and you knew the gig was up. Im guessing the latter. When she first asked you about your status RE: 10-29V did you about throw up? Did you see all the people you sniped to get to the top flash before your eyes? Did you see that fourth star just evaporate? Did you wonder deep down who screwed you?
This is the Sheriff’s first test of put up or shut up. Brackpool was an easy whack, what will he do with you? If your a man, he will do nothing as you will retire a tad early and save him bad PR for him and LASD. The reality is you should be ROD. A lower rank would have already been assigned at home pending IAB. Jim needs to call you in and give you two choices. Announce your retirement, or immediately be reduced to Commander and ROD. It would be almost laughable if you remained on case review, deciding careers of people for mis-conduct.
He doesn’t need a lot of investigation, the facts are all there. The only thing you need to clear up is just produce 10-12,000 in receipts for the repairs. The 180 shows the body was in perfect condition, and how do you need a new motor with less than 30K? Im sure the car didn’t start after sitting for a few months on the lot. OK, Ill give you 500 for a radio, no receipt required. How about the rest?
All the Chief’s coming by your office asking how you are doing and hang in there, it is a one day story, are also measuring the drapes and wondering if you art work comes with office or goes with you. What is Ironic, if you are busted back to a Commander, you could work for Hellmold. You had a good career, go out with dignity and don’t drag us through all the bad PR.
Let’s see if he gets preferential treatment. If it were me and most other, we would have been relieved. Isn’t there a Sgt on the Dept with the same last name as the tow place. Check into it C, this May have more stink to it. Great job Jim Mac, this Dept is messed up and you have no clue how to fix it.
This is unbelievable. Our department has been abusing the contract tow system for years. Not the first abuse and not the last. Major Crimes Bureau is required to check out tow companies before the captains made their choice. Years ago they would not follow their (the departments) own policy stating they were to busy to do it. At that time the bureau was run by a Tanaka guy. How do you fight that (It appears like we will continue moving Tanaka folks into these jobs. Look at the latest promotion assignments). Contract tow companies offer the stations all sorts of free things for becoming their tow company. Food trucks free for the deps during DUI check points. These companies make a killing. Some stations had mandatory rotations for the tow companies as they business was so competitive. The deps had their favorites and simply called the tow companies on their cell phones circumventing the units policy. In return they got food, drinks, baker to vegas donations, go carts, mini bikes, and so on. Really an A/S needs to buy a car with his inflated salary. I think a have wit patrol guy could right the R/C 496. Anybody who has ever worked patrol knows before you buy a used car, you run it through the system. To bad he did not get ripped out of the 10-29V by LAPD like the deps from Carson did back in the early 80’s.
Change is taking to long to occur. Anybody with less than 4 years to go is simply riding the wave until they can leave. It is a sad state of affairs when we continue to watch the Tanaka crowd move on up. Most of which only know the policy from studying for the sgt’s exam. They got copies of the lieutenants test from the cronies so no need to study there. Look who was in charge of sworn exams and personnel at the time. Yet we continue to move them up. Here is an idea. Look at the Tanaka donation lists, don’t promote those folks.
Far to many folks will have to wait for the next life to get any recognition for a job well done. This life is over for them.
In closing. Look at all the retired Commanders, Chiefs, and above that hang on the walls. Any of them impress you? Nope. Liars, cheats, and thieves. Looks like wanted list at the Post Office wall.
I like Rothans, but I am disappointed.
Basic questions we ask folks on the street about the origin of items like TVs apply here. The market value v. what he paid does not line up and he knows that.
I bet Jim McD does nothing to the actual people involved. Who cares about your policy? DO something about the folks YOU surround yourself with Sheriff.
Baca part two.
Rothans: “any investigation into a Department Executive should be transparent”. Huntsman: The results of the investigation will not be made public”. So much for transparency! New boss same as the old boss.
At (2). You’re just kicking a can down the road with the 2008 scenario. Let that scar tissue heal
The common theme here folks, is nothing has changed. McDonnell has surrounded himself with “Yes men” of the highest order, who have done nothing but pushed thugs as the “best qualified” candidates for promotion; all to continue with Tanaka’s legacy. As has been said repeatedly, McDonnell owns his decisions, the pink slip is in his wallet.
Here is a piece of advice, Sheriff, do what you should have done on day one, clean house. The first to go, your XO and Chief of Staff, they are useless. Clean house with a majority of your tired, worn and double agent EPC. They have misled you and are now embarrassing you. Marginalize a majority of your Commanders and Captains who are Tanaka henchmen, you are stuck with them, but let them not continue with their infection of LASD. This all should have been done on day-one, but it wasn’t, so the infection continues with your promotion of OGCF types and you are being played like a fool. You should have brought in a cadre of solid retired lieutenants and captains, folks who would have played it straight with you, upright the ship, groom a new crew and transition back into retirement. Someone convinced you to play nice, everyone gets a clean slate and fresh start. Again, someone played you like a fool, you took the path of least resistance.
You have thousands of tenured deputies, sergeants and lieutenants who have played by the rules, worked hard and have real field operational experience, they are not police imposters. They are anti-Tanaka types who have suffered yet, continue to work hard. They are your future, not the thugs who are eating and drinking at your table, telling you what you want to hear. We had great hope when you arrived. Instead, we have great disappointment because nothing has changed. This caper with Rothan’s is disgusting and laughable. To repeat what has been stated several times, anyone else would have been ROD. Take a long hard look at his “relationships ” with local businesses while he was the captain of Pico, some real shady stuff. Hey Sheriff, open those “fresh eyes” of yours and look who you have surrounded yourself with, clean house.
And to the media, don’t cut McDonnell a pass like you did for years with Baca. Hammer him for his personnel decisions of promotions and discipline. Rothans is in the spotlight, the whole world is watching.
Wow. An academy trainee can smell the bullshit in this story. Pathetically embarrassing bunch of lies. It ranks right up there with “those aren’t my pants deputy”. The next IA any of us catches, we should use the “I’m a victim too”excuse. Look at craigslist. You can’t find a p.o.s. 2010-12 audi for less than 8000. Go away Rothans. You’re now the county joke.
Come on Jim (McDonnell), relieve him. Deputies who are doing their job in the jails go to put hands on an inmate and they’re gone the next day, sitting at home for a year waiting for IAB to do something yet the top in command keeps his job? Make him stress a little. Make him see what it feels like to wonder if he’ll have a job just like these young deputies that are just trying their best to stay out of trouble. “Control holds” = ROD.
Any other person stopped by the CHP with a switched VIN is going to jail. Why didn’t Rothans?
Does anyone else smell the “it pays to be on top” mentality that LASD is STILL experiencing?
If he clearly got an undervalued vehicle from the owner of a departmental contract tow company, even if the owner is a friend, it is poor judgement and a violation of department policy, Performance to Standards. The embarrassment to the department and the underlining ethical issues make it a possible termination case.
The high ethical standards set by McDonnell will be tested in this case. Than again he is not going after the pay for play crowd and is in fact promoting some of the worst players. Rohans appears to be low hanging fruit, not real difficult to pick if he wants. We will see.
And on another note, does anyone else not see the BS in this:
Mikey buys a luxury car for $3000 and wants everyone to believe “it was worth $3000 because it needed a new radio!”
Laughable!
In a similar case… which included a reference to the Rothans investigation… a Chief of Police is sentenced.
http://www.mercurynews.com/california/ci_28939733/former-california-police-chief-sentenced-30-days-jail
There will be a long, drawn out investigation, and it will all be forgotten. Look at those guys from Aero. I forgot their names. But it was a Captain, Ops Lt., and an Ops Sgt. ROD at home, making money, waiting to come back. Boy, that’s the life.
2010 Audi A4 with 70k miles on it for $16,000 down in MIssion Viejo. I would get it but, ” It isn’t worth crap”.
Not surprised. Just got caught. A blessing for it brings light to the problem that corruption amongst these people in position, who are a waste of tax payer’s money with their high salary, is very REAL in all areas or departments of this organization. The abuse of power, dishonesty, lack of integrity, fraternization, lack of accountability, manipulation, lies and this is just to name some DO EXIST. The incompetent promote while the hardworking are oppressed by these power hungry, kiss ass driven people. And the cycle continue as these incompetent people promote only their family or circle of friends. So, this is what the result is! Clean up the house, Mr. Sheriff, as you once promised. Do it across the board. Don’t believe their lies. Most of them got their position through cheating because they are somehow affiliated with these corrupt low life individuals. We need the change!!!! Give us this change!!!! Get rid of these criminal, gang-like individuals in this organization.
Mr. Rothans, please take your also corrupt family member with you – chief Fender. A liar, who got promoted nonetheless to be the chief. How do people like that promote??? And we wonder why we are we are. Insane!!!!
Many who knew Mike knew him as a respected Deputy rising through the ranks. Some remember him during the usual Saturday golf game. But as he rose to the higher major executive level, he morphed into a narcissistic and arrogant individual. A man who was all about himself. And because of that, he never took the opportunity to right all the wrongs during the Baca – Tanaka campaign fall out. There are many deputies, sergeants and lieutenants who have been wronged with false allegations and IA investigations, ROD’s and lawsuits. As the A/S, he had control and means to correct these atrocities. But…….it seemed Mike took a play out of Waldie’s playbook and got caught. Hence the name “revolution.” It comes back to bite you in the ass! Welcome to the revolution!
This department went from bad to worse. Many of us had high expectations that the new Sheriff would come in and right the ship. Well that did not happen. All of these clowns worked together, back at Lakewood. Rothans, Parra, Hellmold, Guyovitch, Fender, They are all thick as thieves, (more thieves than we thought). If the Sheriff can’t figure out how to fix this, and fix it soon, I can only hope he is a one term Sheriff. @ no. 10, you are so spot on in so many of the things you mentioned. I can only hope that the Sheriff has somebody that monitors this board.
All these comments suggesting McD may be a one term sheriff are unhelpful. As we saw with Baca, once you’re in, you’re in. Even if you’re likely to be criminally indicted. Even if you’re deep in dementia. For better or worse, we’re his and he’s ours. We need him to succeed.
I agree any other deputy would have been ROD’d if they were accused of all these things. They, too, might say that even after reading policy they felt they did nothing wrong. But they’d still go through that process. Even if ultimately the conduct is shown acceptable following a review, it would have sent a better message to ROD the A/S and then reinstate him later, versus just having everyone see an apparent double standard.
And it’s really, really disappointing that the sheriff hasn’t stepped up his communications inside the department better to provide more updates on what’s going on in the department, to address the many issues that continue to damage morale, and why he isn’t more of a presence on the line. It’s so pathetic we get all our news from ALADS, PPOA, the LA Times, WLA and rumor.
I am sure the sheriff’s intentions are 100% the best and he’s rolling 100 mph. But he’s being poorly served by his top advisors, who are not helping him rack up easy wins. Change is taking waaaaaay too long and morale has never been lower.
I agree with many regarding Deputies being ROD for trivial matters and a kingpin just getting a slap on the hand. It is disgusting to see the promotions of people that sold their soul and the Sheriff continues the corruption. I recently looked at the ORG chart and was shocked that we have 30+ commanders at $225K a pop, when I started there were 3 commanders for the department. On another note when did we start allowing inmates to spend time with their children inside custody. Another lawsuit waiting to happen when one female beats another females kid. http://shq.lasdnews.net/pages/PageDetail.aspx?id=1147. I don’t blame anyone for retiring earlier than planned
The Mike Rothans scandal provides a glimpse at the thinking in just the latest of dozens and dozens of other corrupt and arrogant activities carried out by Baca and Tanaka insiders. In the past, it seems Baca was given a pass, called inept, out-of-town and unaware, and full blame placed on Tanaka. As Leroy Baca was ultimately responsible for all the corruption that he allowed through Paul Tanaka and other executives, Jim McDonnell and Neal Tyler are the ones responsible for this continuation of many years of corruption on LASD. McDonnell has yet to fire his EPC staff and selected command staff affiliated with Tanaka, so it’s his baby!
I thought I wouldn’t commit on anything again, but I was wrong. I like Mike Rothans as a person, but lets tell it like it is. Mike has never done a lot of police work in his career. He is one of several people that spent most of their career travelling from station to station in the old Region III. It is common knowledge that certain stations in all three regions had a symbiotic relationship with some of their tow companies.
Numerous deputies, sergeants, and lieutenants, have been disciplined for them and their families buying vehicles from our contract tow companies. This has happened at Norwalk, Lakewood, and Century Stations to name a few. Personnel received significant discipline for “bringing great embarrassment on the department and themselves”.
Next to Waste companies, tow companies are some of the most corrupt companies that are involved with the LASD. To solidify their business association with LASD, they give money for station Christmas parties, for raffles, benefits, etc. They give Christmas presents to the executives, gift cards, watches, etc. They are constantly trying to expand their territory and steal business from other tow companies.
Yes, I have first hand knowledge of all of this. I disciplined personnel for violating policy re purchasing vehicles from tow companies. Rothans knows better, all the executives know better. “What is good for the gander is good for the goose”. The executives should be held to higher standard than other personnel. Mike has two choices, retire or demotion. His explanation doesn’t pass the smell test, and everyone is looking at the sheriff to see how he will handle this.
I, like all of you have looked at the recent promotions and movement and wondered if Baca and Tanaka were still in the building. The sheriff has surrounded himself with some “smart people that don’t know anything”. The sheriff is getting the wrong information from the wrong people, that are at the very least, DOUBLE AGENTS. Tyler needs to go, Hellmold needs to go or be demoted, Rothans and others need to go, or be demoted and the sheriff needs to get some of his information from other sources that will tell him the truth, REAL COPS.
We already have to many people that are working and retired that were not promoted because Tanaka didn’t like them and Baca condoned it. I had high hopes that the new sheriff would clean house and right the ship. Now, I’m not so sure he is the person for the job. God bless all of you, especially the ones that are still working.
The bail schedule for what Rothans “may” have violated is not significant enough to warrant a ROD or even a demotion. So let’s just monitor the transparent investigation and see what happens.
Nancy Drew,
I disagree what MR.R did has the elements associated with bribery of a public official for contract consideration. That’s the legal aspect of things, let us now discuss the ethical behavior and lack of judgement associated with the #3 incharge of the department. The man makes 1/4 of a million dollars a year why did he not buy a new car, oh wait he couldn’t get 80% off at the dealer.
Finally an LASD post. I like Rothans, very cool cat. Saw me with my sleeves rolled up, loved my ink. Ok in my book. Well, time for another shift, and guess what, yup, I’ll be servin the public, sleeves rolled up, ink showing, chewing my favorite tobacco product. Don’t like it, come and get me Tyler!!!!!
@Nancy Drew: really, tell that to the several recently relieved of duty, for lesser or no offense, other than “contempt of supervisor!”
What is the bail schedule for lack of common sense?
Is lying on DMV documents a crime?
@NancyDrew: Do you believe a line deputy would have been ROD’d for the same acts? The perception on the line as of tonight was definitely that a deputy would have been ROD, with the approval of the A/S. And whatever the facts of his investigation are, that strikes me as a pretty damaging I believe widespread perception.
Nancy, let’s look at the facts thus far:
1. He admits to the Times he has been friends with Vernola for 20 years
2. He was the Captain of Pico Station less than 10 years ago and contracted Vernola as a tow company.
3. States he went to lunch and brokered a deal to buy the Audi at a dynamite price.
4. The car was impounded during a Pico Station DUI checkpoint operation.
5. He reasonably should have known, or at least inquired about how the car was acquired.
6. This transaction was a total conflict of interest and contrary to the latest policy prohibiting department members from patronizing services from contracted tow companies.
7. The position of Assistant Sheriff serves at will and is not Civil Service protected. He can be demoted immediately.
I’m not one for Witch Hunts but the facts are certainly clear here. The preponderance of evidence is clear. Pardon the pun but there is no Grey Area.
A Sgt. or below would have been ROD the minute this hit the surface. Same Ol Same Ol
Nancy, I’m just a lowly street cop and don’t have disciplinary guidelines memorized; however, what he did was a felony and the bail schedule is 16/2/3.
I have many issues with Mr. Rothans’ statements about his actions most of which have been covered. One that has not is he is either lying about not knowing the policy and truly did have to read it or he did not know it. If a deputy had done what he did not only would the deputy be ROD looking at criminal time but if said deputy beat the criminal case Rothans or someone like him would have lectured the deputy on violating the very same policy Mr. Rothans was unaware even existed.
The Sheriff’s Department and Tow Yards in their jurisdiction has been a “racket” from day one. The corruption with the tow yard connection is S.O.P….. Standard Operating Procedure.
Nancy, I agree with OG, with Rothan’s, at the Assistance Sheriff rank, he should be held to a higher standard and should be made an example of. His actions, as the actions of other Baca / Tanaka affiliated people, send strong messages to subordinates who emulate what they see. If the last 10 months of McDonnell’s history is a predictor of future actions, it’s not likely that McDonnell will mete out any remarkable discipline on Rothan’s, rather, take the likely advise that Tyler gives him, and give a gentle scolding. A joke? No. Just the sad truth that will send bad messages from bad leadership to all subordinates working under Rothans.
Nancy, you must be looking at the Abner-Mannis-Ault Paul Tanaka Batphone Bail Schedule which states on Page 1, “The rules do not apply to Coin Holders, Donors, OGCF Vikings and Executives.”
I just hope triple-a representatives corporate bosses take vernola contract away with their doing shady business like this imagine everything else they are doing. Vernola is just as bad as all that scum in the lasd.
I read this and decided not to say anything. Then I saw the new Promotions for Commanders and transfer list. Unbelievable!!!!
All that smoke and mirrors about rooting out the corruption, what B.S. I saw Tanakaites on that list being promoted and others moved into command positions of field deputies. I worked for Rothans, I liked Rothans. But I KNOW Rothans would have had a hard time as a Sgt or Lt. of believing the line of crap he is speaking to others about. Come on Mike, you got caught, pull the pin, take your retirement and go golf. You are embarrassing not only yourself, but the department. I know its only 3 grand for a car, but its not the amount of money, its about integrity. Something you and others expected out of every Deputy. As for the Sheriff, quit firing deputies for BS mistakes, and start holding supervision accountable for actions (by that I am saying START at your Command level. I know you are new but promoting, and transferring others to field operations who came from Personnel Division in a very dark era of time is not a good idea. I believe the saying was, when you want to take over the department, start by taking over the bureau that has all the records on everyone, and controls transfers and promotions. Now look at your list. But I believe you are completely aware, understand so are your troops. Final Answer, Nothing Changed. Sad very sad.
I just read that Commander Karen Dalton is the GOOD NEWS commander for Custody. Here is some good news. Rothans should take his pension and leave (He has already been over paid). That makes a new sgt, new lieutenant, new captain, new commander, new chief, and finally a new A/S.
Sorry readers, it will be just more Tanaka folks who have sold their sole again. Sheriff, we are waiting for change. These corrupt bastards are taking the department to the bottom of the bowl. Please wake up and see what you are doing. These goofs are an embarrassment for all of us. Get your info for promotions from a different group of people. Your leadership group (inner circle) is failing you. They are only looking out for themselves by moving chess pieces into place. Your latest promotions are a joke.
They say people rise to their level of incompetence. Based off of the new promotions what happens when you rise above incompetence. That’s right, law suits and over site.
Thank you Sheriff. Don’t stop with Mike. Keep that ball rolling. You know who needs to go.
@46 – @44 – @31 – et al — I do agree with your posts, and it is indeed quite sad to admit that nothing has changed with the new Sheriff. It is quite apparent that the Baca/Tanaka legacy lives on. So sad to see so much hope for change after Tanaka and Baca left, only to have those hopes dashed by Sheriff McDonnell’s continuing decisions to promote persons who are loyal to an indicted criminal. McDonnell continues to promote Tanaka loyalists – those persons whom Tanaka personally vetted, then placed into critical command positions, as he postured for his long anticipated takeover of the department. He was in fact, a strategic long range planner. I don’t know how honest, hardworking and legitimate department employees continue to go to work, with no hope for change, for the future? You have my respect!
And, re: Rothans – Take a look at the “Transparent California” website, at http://transparentcalifornia.com We see that –
– In 2014 Rothans made $242K in regular pay, plus $41K in “Other Pay” and $112K in “Total Benefits”
– In 2013 Rothans made $213K in regular pay, almost $33K in “Other Pay” and $94K in Total Benefits.
On it’s face, it appears Rothan’s did not need any type of special deal on the stolen car, so the likelihood that it was in fact a “gratuity” for awarding their business the tow contract, seems to be true.
Also, past Team Lieutenants for the Major Crimes Bureau “Morals Crew” should be questioned regarding their contacts with the Tow Companies (when renewing their contracts) and their past complaints of “extortion”.
Regardless of all of this, Rothans announced this afternoon that he is retiring this month. His genre of twisted unethical behavior has been the “norm” at the executive ranks in the LASD, for far too long.
Re: Doe Inc’s post — If Rothans did, in fact, announce his retirement yesterday, in the short term, that’s a good thing — one less Baca / Tanaka clown in the executive ranks. But in the long term, it puts the scandal to bed before a complete investigation is done and removes internal scrutiny and external media attention from the problem. The problem, as I see it, is that McDonnell and Tyler are allowing the Baca / Tanaka influence to continue to poison the department.
Wow I am glad the code of ethics is held in high regard with the upper brass!.. With his pay no wonder he had to get a Sheriff’s discount on getting car..he must be at the ODR eating dinner every night!.. So long and good riddance to your arrogant ass!.. I hope more follow you !.. And I hope the 8 th floor of TT is getting nervous !.. Lol
#30 said ” As Leroy Baca was ultimately responsible for all the corruption that he allowed through Paul Tanaka and other executives, Jim McDonnell and Neal Tyler are the ones responsible for this continuation of many years of corruption on LASD. McDonnell has yet to fire his EPC staff and selected command staff affiliated with Tanaka, so it’s his baby!”…….BRAVO!!!!!
drronda,as far as EPC goes do you know or anyone else know if capt GT is a tattoed regulator or viking? He’s about as useless as they get.