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Back to Olney in L.A.

Olney in L.A.

Paul Tanaka's Trial and Tribulations

Former LA County Undersheriff Paul Tanaka, is scheduled to go on trial for his alleged role in obstructing a federal investigation. How did the second in command at the Sheriff's Department end up on the wrong side of the law?

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By Warren Olney • Mar 17, 2016 • 7m Listen

Former LA County Undersheriff Paul Tanaka, is scheduled to go on trial for his alleged role in obstructing a federal investigation. How did the second in command at the Sheriff's Department end up on the wrong side of the law? Prosecutors contend Tanaka took a lead role in trying to undermine a federal probe into abuse at Men's Central Jail. His former boss, Lee Baca, pleaded guilty February 10, 2016 to lying to FBI agents and federal prosecutors. Baca's surprise plea deal with the US Attorney's Office, doesn't require him to testify at Tanaka's trial. But Tanaka's attorneys have said they plan to call on him. Former Sheriff Baca is expected to assert his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination and refuse to testify if called to the stand. Warren Olney looks at the scandal that landed the leaders at the sheriff's department on the wrong side of the law.

PHOTO

Sheriff Lee Baca appoints Paul Tanaka as undersheriff, 2011

More

  • What to expect at Tanaka's upcoming trial

  • Transcript of Tanaka's interview with Warren Olney

  • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

    Warren Olney

    former KCRW broadcaster

  • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

    Jennifer Wolfe

    KCRW Berlin Coordinator

  • KCRW placeholder

    Celeste Fremon

    WitnessLA.com

  • KCRW placeholder

    Brian Moriguchi

    LA County Professional Peace Officers Association

    News
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