Former Inglewood officer sentenced for drug deal with stolen evidence

John Abel Baca, a former Inglewood police officer, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for drug trafficking activities. In 2021, he was caught by the FBI during a drug deal where he offered cocaine and heroin to a buyer. Baca, who was also the department's union representative, had previously bragged about stealing narcotics and money during traffic stops, showcasing a blatant abuse of his law enforcement position. The FBI's investigation revealed that Baca was involved in a larger drug trafficking operation. He was recorded in September 2020 discussing his illegal activities and later met with a buyer in April 2021, where he presented a gram of cocaine in a medical glove. The product was tested and found to be 75% pure, and Baca sought $22,000 for a kilogram of cocaine. Baca's criminal activities extended beyond drug sales; he was also linked to money laundering through gambling in Las Vegas. His associate, Gerardo Ekonomo, was arrested with heroin in Las Vegas, and Baca attempted to intervene in his case, claiming to be an informant. This further highlighted the extent of Baca's misconduct and his attempts to manipulate law enforcement processes. In court, Baca expressed remorse for his actions, but the damage to his reputation and the integrity of the police force was already done. The case serves as a stark reminder of the potential for corruption within law enforcement and the importance of accountability in maintaining public trust.