Los Angeles Sheriff Alex Villanueva Denies Targeting L.A. Times Reporter Even As He Announces Investigation Into Source Of Her Story

deadline.com:

A defiant Sheriff Alex Villanueva today used a news conference to blast a variety of his opponents both political and perceived, including election challenger Eli Vera, county Inspector General Max Huntsman and Los Angeles Times reporter Alene Tchekmedyian, who broke the story of the altercation involving the handcuffed inmate.

Villanueva alleged today that the piece was potentially based on information stolen from the department. He listed six potential “crimes involved,” including burglary, theft and conspiracy.He augmented the presentation with a blown-up photo of the journalist, much as law enforcement officials are wont to do with suspects when explaining a case.Asked by media today if Tchekmedyian was under investigation Villanueva said vaguely, “The matter is under investigation.”Another reporter pressed, “You placed her picture up there…and talked about it in terms of a criminal investigation.

Is this Los Angeles Times reporter under investigation by the department?”The Sheriff replied, “The act is under investigation.

All parties to the act are subject to investigation.”He called the article “click bait” and part of a “hit parade by the L.A.