LAPD Officer Arrested for Fraud

Los Angeles: Investigators from the California Department of Insurance and the Los Angeles Police Department’s Professional Standards Bureau arrested an 11-year officer at Harbor Police Station this morning, January 20, 2006, just before noon.

Police Officer Ladole Devarro Morris, Jr., 35, came under investigation for insurance fraud and perjury, which was related to a deposition given as part of a workmen’s compensation case. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office issued an arrest warrant yesterday, after the case was presented.

“We remain committed to ensuring workers’ benefits are not abused,” said Chief of Police William Bratton. “We’ve made a number of improvements to better monitor the system. When we find abuse, we go after it. We owe it to the residents and the majority of hard-working police officers.”

The officer’s bail was set at $55,000.

Questions regarding the criminal investigation should be referred to the California Department of Insurance. State law prohibits the LAPD from discussing details of such personnel matters.