A former Inglewood Police Division officer has agreed to plead responsible to a cost of distributing cocaine, the U.S. Division of Justice introduced.
Whittier resident John Abel Baca, 47, admitted to distributing cocaine on two separate events in 2021.
The 21-year veteran of the division gave cocaine to a cooperating witness, then gave a kilogram of cocaine to that very same witness in trade for $22,000, the DOJ mentioned in a information launch.
Earlier than these incidents, the witness instructed the FBI that Baca had supplied to promote him a kilogram of cocaine, two kilograms of “White China” heroin and “a limiteless provide of black tar heroin,” prosecutors mentioned.
“[The witness] reported that Baca claimed to have stolen medication and money throughout routine site visitors stops that Baca made as a drug job for officer with IPD,” the discharge mentioned.
In the course of the first of the 2 cocaine distributions, which was “covertly recorded,” Baca gave the witness a pattern of cocaine for potential patrons. A couple of days later, Baca introduced “a brick of cocaine” to the witness’ office, then collected $22,000 in money from their home.
“Within the plea settlement, Baca admitted that he abused his place of belief as a police officer, together with by stealing medication from IPD’s lock-up and reselling them,” prosecutors mentioned.
Baca is anticipated to formally plead responsible on Oct. 17 to 1 depend of distribution of cocaine. For now, he’s free on $1.1 million bond. He faces as much as 20 years in federal jail.
The case towards Gerardo Ekonomo, an informant who authorities allege labored alongside Baca, continues to be pending, a DOJ spokesperson mentioned.
