Click on the photo to learn more about the Rampart probe. Amid warnings that more convictions will be thrown out and additional Los Angeles police officers will face prosecution in the growing Rampart scandal, county officials now say the costs they will absorb as a result of the city police investigation will skyrocket. As debate over the proposed county budget began on Wednesday, department heads told the supervisors that the cost grew along with the parameters of the case. As an example, Public Defender Michael Judge cited the District Attorney's decision a week ago that a case as far back as 1991 is under scrutiny. City officials have agreed to meet with U.S. Justice officials to negotiate a settlement that would fend off a federal lawsuit.
Negotiations are likely to begin next week.
The LAPD investigation began in March 1998 when 6 pounds of cocaine were reported missing from property room at the Rampart Division station near downtown Los Angeles. In September 1999, LAPD Officer Rafael Perez pleaded guilty in the case and cast a wide net in exposing a crime ring of other officers. The scandal has led more than 80 convictions to be thrown out and about 30 officers have resigned or been fired or suspended. Criminal charges have been filed against three officers, and Police Chief Bernard C. Parks has said he expects more people to be charged. To Meet With LAPD Justice Dept.