A former Inglewood Police Department officer, John Abel Baca, will plead guilty in a federal court to distributing cocaine. The 21-year veteran is slated to give his formal plea on October 17. His actions were revealed by a cooperative witness (CW) working with the FBI, as per the U.S. Attorney's Office, Central District of California.
The CW unveiled that Baca, an IPD drug task force officer, used stolen drugs and cash obtained during traffic stops for distribution. In late April 2021, Baca provided a sample of cocaine for potential purchasers to the CW, subsequently negotiating a price of $22,000 for one kilogram of cocaine. The brick of cocaine was delivered on May 4, 2021, to the CW's workplace, with payment made at the CW's home, according to the Justice Department.
In response to this case, the IPD offered full cooperation with the FBI's investigation.
Baca is due to plead guilty to one count of cocaine distribution, which is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison. As this situation evolves, it's critical to avoid allowing the misconduct of one individual to eclipse the efforts of many law enforcement officers working diligently to protect their communities.
