LA Deputy Sheriff and Three Others Arrested in Pasadena by Feds in Drug Trafficking Scheme

Federal agents arrested a Los Angeles County deputy sheriff with three other men in Pasadena on Tuesday after they allegedly agreed to oversee the delivery of narcotics and other contraband in exchange for cash payments on two separate occasions.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California said Deputy Sheriff Kenneth Collins, 50, and three others—David Easter, 51, of Hyde Park, Grant Valencia, 34, of Pomona and Maurice Desi Font, 56, of South Los Angeles—have been charged with operating a large-scale drug trafficking scheme.

A city of Pasadena spokesperson said the men were arrested at the Rosemont Pavilion, at 700 Seco Street in Pasadena.

“During the FBI’s undercover investigation, Deputy Collins allegedly agreed that he and his team would accompany the narcotics and take calculated steps to prevent legitimate law enforcement from intercepting the drugs in exchange for cash payments as high as $250,000,” said U.S. Attorney Central District of California spokesman Thom Mrozek.

The four defendants—who are charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances—made their first court appearances Tuesday afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.

“Deputy Collins sold his badge to assist an individual he thought was a drug trafficker,” said United States Attorney Nicola T. Hanna. “The deputy allegedly used his status as a law enforcement officer as a guarantee when he promised safe travels for large quantities of illegal narcotics. This case is part of our long-standing and ongoing commitment to root out corruption, particularly when it involves sworn law enforcement officers.”

Paul Delacourt, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, said Collins used his position of trust and “appropriated his authority to conduct lucrative criminal activity with others at the expense of Los Angeles County residents.” He said several other officials at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department “fully cooperated” with the investigation.

“While our investigation continues to determine whether others may have been involved, this should not be viewed as an indictment of the many dedicated servants at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, some of whom brought this unlawful activity to our attention,” Delacourt said. “Today’s arrest exemplifies the FBI’s commitment to weeding out corruption by public officials and restoring trust in our law enforcement professionals.”

On November 14, court records revealed that Collins, Easter, and Valencia negotiated a $25,000 payment in “exchange for providing security during the transport of contraband” in a caravan to Las Vegas.

During recent negotiations, Collins said he would bring a larger team than used during the November transport, and those additional members would include other law enforcement officers, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. When the team arrived at the predetermined location in Pasadena Tuesday, Font was revealed to be the fourth member.

If convicted, the four men face life in prison, Mr. Mrosek said.