Search Warrants Served in Bell Gardens, South Gate

June 20, 2007

Los Angeles: Los Angeles police served three search warrants today, June 20, 2007, two in the city of Bell Gardens and one in the city of South Gate. The search warrants are part of an on-going criminal threats investigation, which also includes eavesdropping on a private telephone conversation.

"Our investigation is not complete yet," said Lieutenant Paul Vernon, head of detectives for the LAPD Central Police Station. "We are guided by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office, and no one has been charged with any crime so far."

The warrants were served at the Bell Gardens City Hall office of Councilman Mario Beltran, at Beltran’s Bell Gardens home, and at the United Motor Tow, located at 5030 E. Firestone Boulevard in South Gate.

"We received complete cooperation from all the persons at each of the search locations," Vernon said.

The investigation stems from a criminal complaint filed at the Central Police Station last February by a person who reported that he was threatened during a telephone conversation in the city of Los Angeles.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Central Area Detectives at 213-972-1203, On weekends or during off-hours call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).