Some Cities that Pay for Sheriff's Patrols Worried about LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva's Decisions to Reinstate Fired Deputies

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Photo credit John Malvaez Photography, Courtesy of Alex Villanueva Office

(KNX 1070) - The California Contract Cities Association has reached out to Sheriff Alex Villanueva in a letter expressing concerns over his reinstatement of several deputies previously fired for misconduct. They also expressed concerns about his relationship with the County Board of Supervisors, which took the sheriff to court over his rehiring of Deputy Caren Carl Mandoyan. 

The association is a collection of member cities. Those cities pay a liability surcharge to fund jury verdicts and settlements from claims, which goes up to 11 percent later this year.

The sheriff's decisions are worrying leaders of some cities who pay for the sheriff’s patrols.  

In April, the sheriff reinstated a second deputy, Michael Courtial, who was fired a year ago for using unreasonable force.

Leaders of some cities that contract with the LA County Sheriff’s Department for patrols are worried about some of the sheriff’s actions since being elected. Hear more @KNX1070 https://t.co/BHH27v8Btt

— Margaret Carrero (@KNXmargaret) May 13, 2019

In March, the sheriff was criticized for rehiring Mandoyan, who was fired for violating department policies regarding domestic violence and making false statements to investigators. It was reported that he had intended to rehire Mandoyan before he took office.

"There are some concerns because  we as our city, as large customers of the county for law enforcement services, rely on that relationship to be strong between the supervisors and the sheriff to make sure that the deputies are provided both the appropriate levels of funding, equipment, training, and facilities," Association Executive Director Marcel Rodarte told KNX reporter Margaret Carrero. Rodarte added that they have since met with the sheriff.

"We walked away, I think, with the hope that we can continue this relationship and going forward the sheriff is going to do the things that are not going to have negative impacts on our contract," he said. "Actions speak louder than words, but they are giving the sheriff the benefit of the doubt."