Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Orlando Sotomayor Flores has entered a no-contest plea in connection with a 2018 off-duty hit-and-run incident that resulted in injuries, as detailed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office. The crash, which occurred on Interstate 10 in Covina, became a focal point for DA George Gascón's commentary on the accountability of those who serve to protect.
In a worrying reminder of the vulnerability of those we look to for safety, Flores's actions led him to be charged with one felony count of reckless driving involving alcohol, which caused injury, and one misdemeanor count for hitting and running, also causing injury. According to an announcement from the District Attorney's Office, his sentencing is scheduled for January 13, 2025, where he's expected to receive two years of felony probation, pay restitution, and complete alcohol education requirements, among other penalties.
"Law enforcement is entrusted with the responsibility of protecting our communities and upholding the law, on- and off-duty," said District Attorney Gascón in a sentiment heavy with the weight of expectation versus reality. "I want to express my empathy for the victims who suffered at the hands of Mr. Sotomayor Flores' reckless actions."
The incident that took place on March 29, 2018, brought grave consequences as Flores, while off-duty, triggered a chain of events that resulted in a vehicle rolling several times after being struck. Confirming fears, Sotomayor Flores abandoned the scene, only to surrender to law enforcement at the tail-end of a night marred by his own choices some four hours later. A passenger suffered non-life-threatening injuries, but the ripple of that night's recklessness went far beyond physical injury, casting a shadow on the shield meant to represent public trust.
Investigations by the California Highway Patrol and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department led to the determination that Sotomayor Flores may have consumed alcohol before the accident. As reported by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, the case has culminated in a no-contest plea.
