Story perspectives

LA DA Reduces Officer Flores Felony Eavesdropping Charges to Misdemeanors

8/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman reduced 16 felony eavesdropping counts against Officer Daniel Flores to misdemeanors.
Flores recorded over 100 recruitment-division conversations that included racist, sexist and homophobic remarks.
One officer called a young recruit “rapeable,” according to court records.
Hochman said the felony charges sent the wrong message and could deter whistleblowers.
If Flores completes a one-year diversion, the misdemeanor will be dismissed without a record.

History

Historical Context

The late-1990s Rampart scandal exposed corruption in the LAPD’s CRASH unit, implicating more than 70 officers and leading to 106 overturned convictions. A 2001 federal consent decree, signed by Mayor Richard Riordan and the U.S. Justice Department, forced oversight and training reforms. District Attorney Nathan Hochman’s decision to downgrade 16 felony eavesdropping counts echoes the same reluctance to pursue accountability that followed the scandal.

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Story summary

Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman reduced 16 felony eavesdropping counts against Officer Daniel Flores to misdemeanors.
Flores recorded over 100 recruitment-division conversations that included racist, sexist and homophobic remarks.
One officer called a young recruit “rapeable,” according to court records.
Hochman said the felony charges sent the wrong message and could deter whistleblowers.
If Flores completes a one-year diversion, the misdemeanor will be dismissed without a record.

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