Records reveal problems in L.A. County juvenile probation office

At least 11 officers responsible for supervising youths in the juvenile justice system have been convicted of crimes or disciplined for inappropriate conduct involving probationers, a Times investigation finds.

Controversy over chief's accident is a setback for Riverside Police Department

Russ Leach was credited with implementing sweeping reforms. But the department's handling of the crash that led to his resignation has some worried that progress will be undermined.

Sean Penn charged with misdemeanors in photographer case

The Los Angeles city attorney says the actor kicked the man and broke his camera in the October run-in. If convicted of battery and vandalism, Penn could face up to 18 months in jail.

L.A. steps up crackdown on pot shops

City sues three collectives and moves to evict 18 others from their stores, saying they have violated state laws. The actions stem from undercover police operations at the dispensaries.

Review of West Covina rape cases sought

Rep. Judy Chu asks the district attorney's office to make sure proper procedures were followed. A sex crimes investigator recently was suspended over allegations of harassment.

Deputies chasing armed suspects ordered to be more cautious

In a policy change, the L.A. County Sheriff Department says deputies should try to contain dangerous suspects and wait for assistance.

Former Riverside police chief drank 4 whiskeys before accident, lawyer says

Surveillance video showing Russ Leach at a Colton strip club is turned over to CHP investigators, who interview the bartender, manager and one of the topless dancers.

Former Riverside police chief had four drinks before accident, lawyer says

Surveillance video showing Russ Leach at a Colton strip club is turned over to CHP investigators, who interview the bartender, manager and one of the dancers.

Noted Los Angeles gang interventionist laid to rest

At a four-hour funeral, Ronald 'Looney' Barron is remembered for turning his life around and trying to help others do the same. He was killed Feb. 6 after confronting a tagger.

Former LAPD Chief Daryl Gates is seriously ill

Gates, 83, a controversial figure who presided over the department from 1978 to 1992, is being treated at an Orange County hospital, Chief Charlie Beck announced.

Woman found guilty in fortuneteller slaying

Tanya Nelson, 45, is convicted of special-circumstances murder in the stabbings of Ha Jade Smith and her daughter, Anita Vo. Prosecutors said Nelson blamed Smith for telling a bad fortune.

This undercounting wasn't par for the course

Authorities say two workers at the VA's Westside hospital golf course embezzled $180,000. The men, who have been fired, have pleaded guilty to theft of government funds and await sentencing.

Olympic shot-putter's wife held in his fatal shooting in Oxnard

Jane Laut, 52, was arrested on suspicion of shooting her husband, David, in August. David Laut won a bronze medal at the 1984 L.A. Games. Her lawyer says she was the victim of domestic abuse.

Girl, 15, safe after falling under alleged predator's spell

The Bay Area runaway finally went to police after being held a virtual captive in Venice Beach for three weeks.

Two Los Angeles robbery suspects die in crash during brief police pursuit

The men had allegedly stolen Valentine's Day merchandise from a street vendor. Their car crashed into a parked vehicle while they were fleeing police.

Grief propels an Echo Park community

As the man who murdered 4-year-old Roberto Lopez is about to be sentenced, neighbors are pushing back against a local gang.

Donations help shooting victim avoid eviction

Rashaun Williams, who was wounded in both legs in South Los Angeles and has been unable to work, will be able to stay in her Lancaster apartment with her daughter.

Federal security chief at LAX unexpectedly steps down

The former LAPD deputy chief reportedly had been planning to retire for some time, but his decision to leave the high-profile job comes as a surprise to the airport police union.