Los Angeles Police Department Chief Michel Moore is denying allegations that he ordered a pair of Internal Affairs Division detectives to investigate Mayor Karen Bass shortly after her election over her acceptance of a scholarship from USC.
According to a report by the Los Angeles Times, the two detectives filed complaints with the Office of the Inspector General alleging Moore directed them to conduct the investigation into Bass and the scholarship — which came to light during her campaign. The request came at a time when Bass was considering whether to retain Moore as LAPD chief, according to The Times.
Bass’ campaign opponent, Rick Caruso, had questioned her acceptance of the scholarship while she was serving in Congress, saying she later proposed legislation aimed at increasing federal funding for private universities such as USC. Bass repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, and insisted she got clearance from the House Ethics Committee to accept the scholarship.
In a statement issued Wednesday morning, the department called the detectives’ allegations “patently false,” noting that the Internal Affairs Division is restricted to only investigate alleged misconduct by department employees.
“I did not initiate, request, or authorize an investigation as alleged in any fashion,” Moore said in a statement. “This matter is now with the Office of the Inspector General and I look forward to their investigation into these fictitious allegations.”
According to The Times, which reviewed the detectives’ complaints, the pair contend they ultimately refused to accept the assignment to investigate the mayor. They said it was unclear if the Internal Affairs agency ever proceeded with any type of probe into Bass.
A representative for the OIG confirmed to the paper that the office had received the complaints, and “we are handling them according to our standard protocols. In general, when the OIG receives allegations of misconduct against any Department employee, we ensure that a formal complaint investigation is initiated.”
The Mayor’s Office told The Times: “Mayor Bass’ focus is on reducing crime. People need to get with that program and stop wasting time and resources on debunked political attacks.”