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The existence of deputy gangs within the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) represents one of the most disturbing and persistent forms of law enforcement misconduct in modern American policing. These groups, often referred to by names such as the “Executioners,” “Banditos,” “Grim Reapers,” and “Jump Out Boys,” have operated within various LASD stations for decades, with a culture of silence and retaliation shielding them from accountability. Unlike isolated instances of officer misconduct, these deputy gangs reflect a pattern of institutionalized corruption, racism, and violence sustained by department inertia and political neglect.
The LASD is the largest sheriff’s department in the United States, responsible for policing millions of residents in unincorporated areas and managing one of the largest jail systems in the country. Allegations of deputy gangs have surfaced since at least the 1970s, but they gained renewed scrutiny in the 2010s and 2020s due to lawsuits, whistleblower testimonies, and high-profile investigative journalism. The deputy gangs are accused of using excessive force, targeting communities of color, intimidating fellow officers, and rewarding violent behavior with tattoos symbolizing their group affiliation—often marked by skulls, flames, and weapons.
The case gained national attention in part due to whistleblower testimony from deputies like Art Gonzalez and allegations from terminated or disciplined deputies like Rosa Gonzalez and Austreberto “Art” Gonzalez (no relation). Multiple lawsuits have alleged that gang-affiliated deputies dominate entire stations, such as Compton, Century, and East L.A., enforcing a code of silence and pressuring others to conform or face retaliation. These allegations extend to supervisors and command staff who allegedly enabled or ignored the misconduct. Reports by the Office of Inspector General and the Los Angeles County Civilian Oversight Commission have validated many of these claims.
A chronology of major events begins in 1990, when the Kolts Commission first documented the existence of problematic subcultures within LASD. In the early 2000s, lawsuits began to describe the “3000 Boys,” a gang operating within the jail system. In 2011, the FBI began investigating deputy abuse at Men’s Central Jail. From 2018 onward, multiple lawsuits and investigations named specific gangs like the Banditos and Executioners. In 2020, Assembly Member Kevin McCarty introduced legislation (AB 958) to explicitly ban law enforcement gangs in California. In 2021, a report by Loyola Law School’s Center for Juvenile Law & Policy identified 18 named deputy gangs.
Several critical incidents have highlighted the damage inflicted by these deputy groups. In 2019, Deputy Austreberto Gonzalez filed a claim against the department alleging that the “Banditos” at the East L.A. station retaliated against him for refusing to join their ranks, resulting in a violent physical assault. In another case, a wrongful death lawsuit alleged that deputies in Compton planted evidence and used excessive force under a gang code of silence. Officers were reported to celebrate shootings by adding matching tattoos to their arms.
Analysis of deputy conduct reveals a pattern of normalized brutality, hazing, and intimidation. These gangs reward officers for aggressive and often unlawful behavior, creating an internal economy of status and impunity. Junior deputies are pressured to conform to violent norms, while whistleblowers are ostracized or driven out. The absence of transparent oversight mechanisms has allowed these groups to flourish, with little fear of discipline or exposure.
Evidence includes sworn testimony, internal emails, leaked audio recordings, complaint logs, and civil litigation records. Multiple independent investigations, including those by the Civilian Oversight Commission, Inspector General Max Huntsman, and the RAND Corporation, have confirmed the existence and influence of deputy gangs. Department leadership, particularly under former Sheriff Alex Villanueva, faced criticism for dismissing or undermining oversight efforts, despite mounting public concern.
Deputy statements and whistleblower accounts have proven pivotal in exposing the subculture. Art Gonzalez’s declaration under oath described a pervasive gang hierarchy in the Compton station. Another deputy testified that the Executioners controlled key station decisions, including assignments and promotions. In many cases, gang membership was allegedly tied to participation in use-of-force incidents, which were celebrated internally rather than reviewed objectively.
The legal and ethical implications of deputy gangs are profound. These groups subvert the rule of law from within, operate with impunity, and directly violate both civil rights statutes and internal codes of conduct. Their existence raises serious Brady and Giglio concerns, as their misconduct may undermine the credibility of thousands of prosecutions. Defense attorneys have increasingly sought disclosures about gang-affiliated deputies, while courts wrestle with the evidentiary boundaries of such affiliations.
The consequences of deputy gang activity have been catastrophic. Financially, the county has paid tens of millions in settlements and legal fees. Socially, the department has lost legitimacy, particularly in marginalized communities. Institutionally, LASD faces a credibility crisis exacerbated by years of noncompliance with oversight recommendations. These outcomes point to systemic rot rather than isolated deviance.
Reform efforts have included the implementation of AB 958, which criminalizes law enforcement gang activity in California. The Civilian Oversight Commission has called for stronger whistleblower protections, greater transparency in disciplinary records, and the use of independent investigators. Some LASD stations have introduced body camera policies and internal audits, though these measures are unevenly enforced. New leadership under Sheriff Robert Luna has promised reform, but challenges remain entrenched.
The George Gascón-led Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has explored the creation of a public Brady List and internal review unit to track deputy credibility issues. Civil society organizations have demanded stronger civilian control and proposed the removal of deputies credibly accused of gang involvement from active duty. Public defenders have also sought to vacate convictions tainted by testimony from gang-affiliated officers.
Lessons from the LASD deputy gang scandal are clear: without transparency, oversight, and a culture of candor, law enforcement can become a breeding ground for organized abuse. Meaningful reform requires a commitment to external accountability, a robust whistleblower infrastructure, and the dismantling of reward systems that valorize violence.
The principle of Complete Candor is especially pertinent here. Many deputy gang scandals were enabled by false reports, coerced silence, and suppression of truth. A culture of candor would mandate full disclosure of affiliations, misconduct history, and retaliatory practices. Prosecutors, defense attorneys, and judges must have access to this information to ensure fair proceedings and protect the integrity of the justice system.
In conclusion, the existence of deputy gangs within LASD is not simply a personnel problem—it is a crisis of governance, ethics, and public safety. The continuation of these groups undermines constitutional protections, erodes public trust, and endangers both civilians and principled officers. Ending the legacy of deputy gangs requires not just reform but a full cultural reckoning. Only through sustained vigilance, structural change, and a firm commitment to truth can LASD restore its legitimacy and serve the people with honor.