Baca steps down, interim sheriff John Scott shakes things up

Former OCSD undersheriff John Scott was officially sworn into the LASD last week so he can lead the department until a new, permanent sheriff is elected, and he started making changes immediately.

For example- Scott wasn't on the job for a full day before moving to cancel the field deputy program.

The department employed a total of four civilian field deputies under Lee Baca's watch, and taxpayers had been footing the bill for a nearly half-million dollars in their combined annual salary expense.

One man, Michael Yamaki, was reportedly paid more than $170,000 last year alone, and the job came with a county-paid car.

Sources within the department say his official title was "executive assistant", and that he served as a trusted civilian adviser.   Although some in Baca's corner felt the money was well spent, others disagree.

Official inquiry probe has been launched

Scott is reportedly among those who question the expense, and has launched an official inquiry to determine whether taxpayer funds were misused.

The other civilian deputies salaries may not have been as high as Yamaki's, but the ranges, which spanned from $94,712 to $121,156 per year, raised more than a few eyebrows.

Investigators have been charged with determining what their exact jobs were and to determine if the salaries were justified.

This is just another potential scandal that has been been attached to the now-retired Baca, who stepped down after 18 deputies were indicted in federal court on conspiracy and obstruction of justice charges.

Baca has yet to comment on the most recent allegations.

Long Beach Police Jim McDonnell a frontrunner in the upcoming election

Although several candidates have tossed their hat into the ring, Long Beach Police Jim McDonnell has taken an early lead.

He's already picked up a handful of key endorsements, according to a campaign spokesperson, including one from the Los Angeles County Police Chiefs Association.

Organization president Paul Cooper said the LACPCA feels McDonnell has the experience, integrity and leadership skills that are needed to restore excellence within the LASD.

He also has more than three decades of law enforcement experience, and will reportedly be able to hit the position from the ground running.

Other contenders in the race include Lakewood vice mayor and assistant sheriff Todd Rogers, LAPD Detective supervisor and reserve sheriff's deputy Lou Vince, former undersheriff Paul Tanaka, retired sheriff's commander Bob Olmsted and retired sheriff's lieutenant Patrick Gomez.

The primary election will take place on June 3.