- LA County Sheriff's deputies searched the homes of two county affiliates early Wednesday morning.
- The search was related to an ongoing criminal probe into a county contract, according to the warrant.
Los Angeles County sheriff's investigators on Wednesday searched the homes of two county affiliates as part of a criminal probe into a county contract given to a nonprofit organization.
Investigators executed search warrants at County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl's home, as well as at the home of Patti Giggans, a nonprofit owner and member of the Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission. Both women, who are friends, have been vocally critical of Sheriff Alex Villanueva, calling publicly for his resignation.
Kuehl, an elected official for the county, appointed Giggans to her role on the Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission, which is tasked with analyzing and overseeing the embattled agency.
A copy of the Wednesday warrant first viewed by The Los Angeles Times said the search was linked to a criminal investigation into Giggans' nonprofit organization, Peace Over Violence, over a county contract that was awarded to the group. An employee for LA Metro previously alleged that she was retaliated against after claiming Kuehl improperly helped Giggans score a contract that allowed her nonprofit to operate a sexual harassment hotline for public transportation incidents.
Investigators also searched the nonprofit's offices, offices at the LA County Hall of Administration, and headquarters for the county's Metropolitan Transportation Authority, The Times reported.
The Sheriff's Department released a rare statement about the search on Wednesday, posting the warrant to its website. Investigators in the document allege several crimes related to the contract, including bribery of a county supervisor.
Outside her house on Wednesday morning, Kuehl denied any wrongdoing in an interview with The Times, calling the allegations "totally bogus" and denying that she knew about the contract.
—Kate Cagle (@KateCagle) September 14, 2022
Photos and video from the scene show Kuehl being escorted out of her home barefoot as investigators entered the premises and began searching and taking pictures.
At the same time, investigators were also searching Giggans' home, seizing a computer and flash drives, according to The Times. An attorney for Giggans told the outlet that the probe was spurred by Villanueva's aversion to oversight.
"These are Third World tactics," the lawyer said. "Vladimir Putin would be impressed."
Investigators later towed Giggans' car from her driveway as she objected, calling them "bullies," according to The Times.
—Alene Tchekmedyian (@AleneTchek) September 14, 2022
In a statement emailed to Insider Wednesday evening, Kuehl said the basis of the search was questionable and will be investigated.
"This morning's storming of my home by deputies with bulletproof vests and tactical gear was an effort to harass, intimidate and retaliate against a public figure who has been an outspoken critic of LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva. I am not the only such critic, and other courageous County leaders have also been the targets of this Sheriff's vindictiveness," Kuehl said.
Giggans did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.
The investigation into Peace Over Violence has prompted critics of the LASD to allege that Villanueva is using his office to target those who criticize him via a public corruption unit within the agency. The sheriff has repeatedly denied such claims.
Inspector Max Huntsman, who leads the Civilian Oversight Commission, told Insider on Wednesday afternoon that Villanueva created the corruption unit to "try to dirty anyone who criticized him."
"If they had had a real case, they would have brought it to the DA or the AG to avoid the obvious conflict of targeting the sheriff's political enemies," Huntsman said. "I hope the DA or AG will step in to stop this unprofessional conduct."
When reached for comment about the search warrant a spokesperson with the LASD pointed Insider to its Wednesday afternoon statement. The spokesperson did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment on Huntsman's remarks.
The LASD under Villanueva's tenure has faced a barrage of scandals, including allegations of deputy gangs within the department; an incident of brutality against an inmate; and the Kobe Bryant trial.