The Sheriff’s Civilian Oversight Commission has ordered Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva to appear at the commission’s Thursday meeting. But, he apparently plans to skip it.
In a letter, Villanueva acknowledged receiving the commission's latest subpoena but wrote, "My schedule is extremely busy and my calendar is usually filled months, if not years, in advance."
"The sheriff's game seems to be to play out the clock. He wants to delay and avoid," said Inspector General Max Hunstman.
The latest allegations are that the sheriff’s department is launching bogus "criminal investigations" into oversight officials and "perceived political enemies." The commission's agenda also includes a motion to ask the state Attorney General to get involved and to call on county counsel to "immediately consider all legal remedies," if Villanueva fails to appear.
By Hunstman’s count, this will be the fourth time Villanueva disobeys a subpoena from oversight officials.
"These are not light matters. There are very, very serious allegations of corruption that need to be addressed in a professional and consistent manner, so that’s what the subpoenas are for," he said.
Huntsman pointed out Villanueva has not had success fighting subpoenas to get him to testify in the past, including about alleged deputy gangs. Villanueva did show up for a recent meeting with the inspector general on that topic but then refused to answer questions under oath.
If a subpoena does not compel the sheriff to answer questions, it is unclear what power lays in the writ.
"I think in the short run there’s no use whatsoever. The sheriff has the practical ability to flout the law," said Hunstman.
The sheriff's letter said he "welcomes fair and impartial oversight." In the past, Villanueva has accused commissioners and Huntsman of being "political attack dogs" for county supervisors.
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