The Los Angeles City Attorney's office has decided not to proceed with filing charges in the infamous racist recording scandal that not only shamed but also toppled several city leaders two years ago. Nury Martinez, who was the council president at the time of the scandal, and other figures featured in the leaked recording faced immense public outcry after their remarks came to light. According to CBS News Los Angeles, the attorney's office found there was "insufficient evidence to meet the constitutional standard of proof."
Despite allegations, a married couple previously associated with the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor and implicated in the recording will not face charges. The city attorney's office declared its decision a few months after the district attorney's office opted not to levy any felony charges. This couple's connection to the leaked audio was traced through an IP address linked to social media activity, which promoted the content. Bob Schwartz, representing the husband, stated his client is "relieved that no charges will be brought against him," and claimed that although he was adamant about not being responsible for the recording, the action "performed a great public service," The Associated Press reports.
In the aftermath of the recording's leak, significant political shifts were witnessed. Martinez and Ron Herrera, the LA County Federation of Labor President, resigned from their positions. While Gil Cedillo was eventually termed out, Councilman Kevin de León held his ground against public and political pressure to resign and is currently running for re-election in District 14 against Ysabel Jurado, as CBS News Los Angeles notes.
