header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
November 9
1898 - Actress Winifred Westover born in Oakland; estranged wife of William S. Hart & mother of his son. [story]
Winifred Westover


By Robert Kahn, Courthouse News

A Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department officer was arrested Tuesday and charged with taking bribes “to oversee the delivery of narcotics,” federal prosecutors said.

Sheriff’s Officer Kenneth Collins, 50, of Chino, was arrested with three other men as they arrived in Pasadena to provide security for delivering 45 lbs. of cocaine and more than 13 lbs. of methamphetamine from Pasadena to Las Vegas, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said in a statement.

Collins allegedly told FBI undercover officers that he and his team would “take calculated steps to prevent legitimate law enforcement from intercepting the drugs — in exchange for cash payments as high as $250,000,” the federal prosecutor said.

The statement continued: “In justifying the high fees for his services, Collins allegedly told an undercover FBI agent ‘we’re cops’ and ‘all of our transports make it through.’”

Arrested with Collins were David Easter, 51, of Los Angeles; Grant Valencia, 34, of Pomona; and Maurice Desi Font, 56, of South Los Angeles. Font was to be charged in a second indictment late Tuesday, the U.S. attorney said, because he showed up unexpectedly as part of Collins’s “team.”

An affidavit in support of the criminal complaint against the first three men indicated that Collins was not a newcomer to crime.

Citing the affidavit, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said: “Collins claimed to have a very ‘professional’ ‘team’ comprised of ‘cops’ who ‘travel…with guns.’ He described how he and two others recently ‘handled’ a situation for a ‘client’ in Boston by setting a luxury truck on fire.”

The statement continued: “During a meeting in September, the undercover FBI agent told Collins that he was having an ‘issue’ with a person in Northern California, and in exchange for $2,000, Collins performed and delivered a ‘work-up’ on that person, which included obtaining that person’s home address and driver’s license number, according to the affidavit.

“When Collins delivered the ‘work-up’ in early October, the deputy sheriff allegedly said that he could provide additional services in relation to the Northern California person: ‘We can definitely, you know, kind of impact him a little bit.’”

If convicted of drug trafficking conspiracy, the men could be sentenced to life in prison.

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

25 Comments

  1. Jeanne says:

    Son of a b******! We are fighting to keep our kids alive and this dirt bag is betraying all of America.
    Throw him away for life!

    Now we know how drugs keep getting into the jails.
    Some people pray for loved ones to go to jail to get off drugs and instead find drugs easy to get in jail so they come out still addicted. Sure some smuggle it in but how many Sheriffs are involved!

  2. Jeanne says:

    By the way, I in now way mean this to be directed to all law enforcement. Kudos to the FBI and most Sheriffs and LAPD. I think they want to catch these dirt bags as much as I do.

    • Ginger Mac Donald says:

      They cause the good, honest cops to take a shot in the neck, as know one knows who is honest and who is not?

  3. Weed out the dirty cops and protect the good ones.
    Great job, FBI.

  4. Weed out the cops who sell shake.

  5. Jeffrey jones says:

    Not suprised and don’t be when they all get off dirty ass rat sheriff’s I hope they send them to gp

  6. dennis says:

    The gangs behind the badge.Thete the worst gang way worse the 13th street gang!!Because these people are wolves in sheeps clothing!!!

  7. I’m sure he’s not the only one, sadly. Drain the swamp!

  8. Steven Craig says:

    LA sheriff deputy, not officer.

  9. SCVTeam says:

    Now if only they can get chump out of office!

  10. El Rey says:

    Sadly. This is happening way more often than you guys think. Can you blame them? They get paid alot less than you think. They deal with savages. Sometimes they turn into them.

  11. Jerry Ford says:

    So suprised (NOT) some cops are assholes!

  12. So why is cannabis being shown when the bust was for cocaine and meth?

  13. Great way to deep six your career, and your retirement. And bankrupt your family in legal fees.

Leave a Comment


SCV NewsBreak
LOCAL NEWS HEADLINES
Friday, Nov 8, 2024
UPDATE: Local Election Results as of Friday Evening
Unofficial election results for the 2024 General Election as of Friday, Nov. 8 at 5 p.m.
Friday, Nov 8, 2024
Nov. 12: Saugus Speedway Project, Garbage Fees, on City Council Agenda
The Santa Clarita City Council will hold its regular meeting Tuesday, Nov. 12, beginning with a special closed meeting at 5:30 p.m., followed immediately with open session at 6 p.m.
Friday, Nov 8, 2024
Nov. 23: Community Beautification Day
Want to make a difference in your community? Gather your friends and family for a rewarding day of giving back at the city of Santa Clarita’s Community Beautification Day in Saugus on Saturday, Nov. 23, 9 a.m.-noon for this cleanup and beautification day.
Keep Up With Our Facebook

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
1898 - Actress Winifred Westover born in Oakland; estranged wife of William S. Hart & mother of his son. [story]
Winifred Westover
Unofficial election results for the 2024 General Election as of Friday, Nov. 8 at 5 p.m.
UPDATE: Local Election Results as of Friday Evening
The Santa Clarita City Council will hold its regular meeting Tuesday, Nov. 12, beginning with a special closed meeting at 5:30 p.m., followed immediately with open session at 6 p.m.
Nov. 12: Saugus Speedway Project, Garbage Fees, on City Council Agenda
Want to make a difference in your community? Gather your friends and family for a rewarding day of giving back at the city of Santa Clarita’s Community Beautification Day in Saugus on Saturday, Nov. 23, 9 a.m.-noon for this cleanup and beautification day.
Nov. 23: Community Beautification Day
The California Department of Transportation announced northbound overnight lane reductions on Interstate 5 from Lake Hughes Road to two miles north of Templin Highway, near the Whitaker Sand Shed, north of Castaic Wednesday night, Nov. 13 through Friday night, Nov. 15 for asphalt and concrete paving and box culvert construction.
Nov. 13-15: NB I-5 Lane Reductions Continue in Castaic Area
Step into a world of holiday fun! The city of Santa Clarita will partner with Metrolink to offer Santa Clarita residents a new, unique and festive activity this holiday season.
Dec. 15: Inaugural Metrolink Holiday Express Train
Each year the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation, in collaboration with economist Dr. Mark Schniepp, releases the Economic Outlook Book.
2024 Economic Outlook Book Available From SCVEDC
College of the Canyons professors Katie Coleman and Mehgen Andrade will deliver the scholarly presentation “Behind Bars: Forfeiting our Children” 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21 at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91355.
Nov. 21: COC Scholarly Presentation Will Explore Juvenile Incarceration
1977 - Castaic residents vote 168-54 to withdraw 7th-8th grades from Hart District, making CUSD K-8 [story]
vote tally
The Child & Family Center has announced its Merry Mocktail Winter Wonderland Event Monday, Dec. 2, from 5-7 p.m. at 21545 Centre Pointe Parkway, Santa Clarita, CA 91350.
Dec. 2: Merry Mocktail Winter Wonderland Event
All For Kids is celebrating National Adoption Month by seeking foster families and now offers two virtual ways for individuals and/or couples to learn how to help children in foster care while reunifying with birth families or how to provide legal permanency by adoption.
Nov. 21: All For Kids Offering Virtual Orientations for National Adoption Month
Did you know that our local Santa Clarita Public Library offers passport acceptance services? Whether you’re planning a vacation, studying abroad or reconnecting with family, the Santa Clarita Public Library is here to support your journey.
Jason Gibbs | Get Your Passport at the Santa Clarita Public Library
Parents and caregivers are invited to Empowered Families Workshops hosted by the Child & Family Center’s Prevention and Outreach team in collaboration with First Presbyterian Church of Newhall beginning 2-3:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10 with a workshop on Social Media and mental health.
Nov. 10: Child & Family Center, First Presbyterian Church Collab for Workshops
Samuel Dixon Family Health Center, Inc. has announced that it was awarded a $1.1 million grant from the Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration to add new services that will include substance use disorder treatment programs.
Samuel Dixon Awarded 1.1 Million Grant for SUD Program
The American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Santa Clarita Valley will host its annual holiday boutique fundraiser, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, at Santa Clarita United Methodist Church
Nov. 23: ACS Relay for Life SCV Holiday Boutique
The Santa Clarita Veteran Services Collaborative has announced the "Bringing it Home" fundraiser, an exclusive wine and hors d'oeuvre event hosted by Salt Creek Grille, will be held Thursday, Nov. 21.
Nov. 21: Salt Creek Grille, Veteran Services Collaborative Host Fundraiser
The U.S. Postal Service announced its recommended mailing and shipping dates for holiday mail and packages. The following are recommended send-by dates for expected delivery before Dec. 25.
USPS Announces Holiday Mailing, Shipping Dates
1940 - William S. Hart deeds land for theater at Spruce & 11th Street to American Legion [story]
American Theater
Due to projected power shutoffs related to the current wind advisory, the Child & Family Center’s Centre Pointe Pkwy location, will be closed for in-person services beginning 5 pm Wednesday
Child & Family Center’s Centre Pointe Pkwy Location Closes Due to Power Shutoffs
Beginning Wednesday, November 13, crews will begin the construction of median modifications, paving, grinding and overlay operations along portions of McBean Parkway at Newhall Ranch Road.
Upcoming Lane Closures on McBean Parkway and Newhall Ranch Road
The California Highway Patrol is proud to announce it received a $350,000 grant to address the growing issue of distracted driving on California roads.  
CHP Receives Grant to Combat Adult Distracted Driving in California
The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation has once again recognized the city of Santa Clarita as a finalist for the prestigious 2024 "Most Business-Friendly City" award in the category of large cities (population over 60,000).
City of Santa Clarita Named 2024 Most Business-Friendly City Finalist
The County of Los Angeles is experiencing critical fire weather and is under a Particularly Dangerous Situation Red Flag advisory from now until Friday evening. .
Animal Care and Control Urges Emergency Pet Preparedness
SCVNews.com