Los Angeles DA sued for protecting ethics chief amid felony charges

The Los Angeles Association of Deputy District Attorneys has filed a lawsuit against District Attorney George Gascon, alleging violations of the California Public Records Act. The union is seeking access to emails and information regarding a high-ranking deputy DA, who is a close ally of Gascon and has been indicted on felony charges. This lawsuit is part of a broader pattern of legal actions against Gascon, with over 20 lawsuits from individual prosecutors and four from the union itself. The union claims that Gascon's office has repeatedly denied requests for public records, which they argue should be readily available to the public. The situation has raised concerns about transparency and accountability within the DA's office, particularly as Gascon faces a challenging election in November. Critics, including former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani, emphasize the importance of public access to these records. Gascon's office has a policy of not commenting on ongoing litigation, which has led to frustration among prosecutors who feel compelled to take legal action to obtain information that should be accessible. The ADDA President, Michele Hanisee, expressed disappointment that their own leadership has to resort to lawsuits to enforce compliance with the law. This ongoing conflict highlights the tensions between Gascon and his prosecutors, as well as the broader implications for governance and public trust in the legal system. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant ramifications for Gascon's administration and the future of the DA's office in Los Angeles.