LA Sheriff Replaces Top Aide, Launches Investigation Into Possible Cover-Up

Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva has named a new acting assistant sheriff and launched an investigation after allegations that his department covered up an excessive use of force incident last year.

Holly Francisco will replace Robin Limon, who served as assistant sheriff in 2021 when a deputy knelt on a handcuffed inmate’s head for more than three minutes. A Los Angeles Times investigation found the department attempted to cover up the incident because of concerns about how it would look.

While announcing the investigation, Villanueva also slammed members of the media. He has accused journalists of actively trying to thwart his re-election.

The investigation announced by Villanueva “involves the potential cover-up and some other disturbing elements,” the sheriff said. That potential cover-up, he insists, was completely unknown to him.

Read more at the Los Angeles Times.