The union representing the Los Angeles Police Department's lieutenants and ranks below has expanded its lawsuit against a department commander on claims of fraud and unlawful computer data access, adding additional causes of action as well as a deputy chief as a defendant.
In the Los Angeles Superior Court suit originally filed Aug. 7 and amended Aug. 19, the Los Angeles Police Protective League alleges Cmdr. Lillian Carranza used bogus online credentials to access confidential emails, communications and surveys distributed by the union to its members.
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The suit initially alleged causes of action for fraud, unfair competition and a violation of the state Penal Code. The revised complaint now has a total of seven allegations, including conspiracy, one more count each of fraud, unfair competition and violation of the Penal Code. In addition, Deputy Chief Marc Reina, who could not be immediately reached for comment, was added as a co-defendant with Carranza.
Carranza, Reina and an unknown number of "Does" entered into an agreement to "illegally, fraudulently and unlawfully access LAPPL communications and surveys utilized during the collective bargaining process by utilizing false credentials and intentional misrepresentations of rank," the suit alleges.
Beginning in at least 2016, Reina falsified his credentials and/or identity in order to obtain confidential emails, communications and surveys the LAPPL sent to its members through its online electronic portal used to communicate with authorized members, the amended suit states.
In January 2023, Reina completed a survey intended for use by LAPPL members only and as part of his submission for the review, Reina "falsely and intentionally stated that his rank was lieutenant, a rank he had not held for more than 10 years, the suit alleges.
The union alleges that Carranza -- who leads the LAPD's Central Bureau and is reportedly among about 10 contenders to become the LAPD's next chief -- also successfully accessed and completed a survey that was intended for union members, while falsely claiming she was a lieutenant.
"Between 2016 and 2024, Carranza opened approximately 49 of the 141 confidential emails sent by the LAPPL to its members, emails that Carranza knew she was not authorized to receive or view, and knew that but for her falsification of credentials and identity, she would not have received," according to lawsuit.
The union uses three online platforms to administer surveys. The union does not represent LAPD's high-ranking officers, such as Carranza, who was promoted to captain in 2012 and later to commander.
According to the union, in January 2023, Carranza managed to successfully complete an online form titled "LAPPL MOU Survey 2023." The survey was intended as a means for LAPPL to collect feedback from its members regarding labor contracts with the city, union officials contend.
Carranza completed the survey, stating her rank was lieutenant, a rank she had not held for more than 10 years, according to the lawsuit.
The suit further alleges that in July, Carranza tried to access and complete another online form titled "2024 LAPPL Captain Assessment and Organizational Morale Survey." According to the union, that survey was designed to capture union members' concerns and anonymous evaluations or assessments of captains in the department.
According to the LAPPL, the union relies on the surveys to develop accurate information from its members that is then used in collective bargaining and assists in the representation of its members.
"As a result of Carranza's subversion of the survey process, LAPPL has suffered direct damages, calling into question the results of the surveys and collective bargaining decisions taken based on those results," the lawsuit states. "In addition, LAPPL has had to expend significant funds and monies to investigate the intrusion and ensure and enhance the security of its member communications."
The union was not aware of Carranza's activities until last month, which prompted an immediate investigation. The union hired Sourced Intelligence, which specializes in computer forensics, to investigate whether a non-member accessed the union's emails and surveys. The investigation identified Carranza as the individual who received and participated in the union's surveys, Rico added.
Judge Bruce G. Iwasaki has scheduled a case management conference for Jan. 31, 2025.
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