ARTICLE: 2 Arrested In Alleged Shakedowns Of Immigrants

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2 arrested in alleged shakedowns of illegal immigrants

By Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
10:01 AM PST, November 7, 2007
Two people posing as Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies spent months stopping
illegal immigrants and stealing money and other property from them, authorities said
today.

The pair were arrested by Los Angeles police officers and are charged with shaking
down at least 20 illegal immigrants. But authorities believe scores of other people
targeted by them have not come forward.

Sheriff Lee Baca will hold a press conference urging victims to come forward.

The suspects, who were not named, targeted Latinos in Artesia, Bellflower, Norwalk,
Pico Rivera, East L.A., South Gate, Lynwood, Glendale, Orange County and the San
Fernando Valley.

Two LAPD officers witnessed one of the incidents and arrested the suspects. They
found a car full of imitation law enforcement uniforms.

richard.winton@latimes.com

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-shakedownnov08,0,3364300.story?coll=la-home-center