Diana Teran, a top aide to Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon, faces nearly 11 felony charges after allegations emerged that she misused confidential information from her time at the sheriff’s office. According to state prosecutors, Teran accessed a database containing information about deputies and later used this data inappropriately at the district attorney’s office after joining Gascon’s team.
The controversy centers around Teran’s role under Gascon, known for his progressive stance on law enforcement issues. Teran allegedly used the confidential data to benefit criminal defendants and obstruct prosecutors within the DA’s office. The California Attorney General’s Office has taken up the case due to potential conflicts of interest, as Teran continued to lead the office’s ethics and integrity unit during the investigation.
The CA Dept of Justice just filed 11 felony counts against Diana Teran, someone who Gascón personally hired, promoted and placed in top management, trusted above all other experienced prosecutors, and paid hundreds of thousands of dollars of tax payer money too.
She is charged…
— jonathanhatami (@jonathanhatami) April 25, 2024
The case has brought to light several contentious practices. Teran is accused of withholding evidence, including a bodycam video in a case involving a deputy and a DUI suspect, which could have influenced the outcome of the legal proceedings.
Gascon’s administration has been marked by internal strife and public criticism, particularly concerning its approach to law enforcement and prosecutorial ethics. The Association of Deputy District Attorneys has expressed strong opposition to Gascon’s policies, emphasizing the ongoing legal and ethical challenges within his office.
Attorney General Rob Bonta emphasized that no one is above the law, signaling a rigorous pursuit of justice in this case, while Gascon defended his policies, asserting compliance with constitutional obligations under the Brady rule, which mandates the disclosure of exculpatory evidence to the defense.
This incident not only highlights issues within the Los Angeles County DA’s office but also raises broader questions about the balance between law enforcement integrity and the pursuit of justice in high-stakes prosecutorial environments.