ADDA Sues DA Gascón for Repeated Violations of the California Public Records Act

Los Angeles, September 11, 2024  –The Association of Deputy District Attorneys (ADDA) has filed a new lawsuit against Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón, accusing him of repeatedly and deliberately violating the California Public Records Act (CPRA), the state’s counterpart to the federal Freedom of Information Act. Representing over 750 Deputy District Attorneys, the ADDA asserts that Gascón’s ongoing refusal to comply with the law contradicts his public commitment to transparency.

The complaint in Los Angeles County Superior Court outlines numerous instances where CPRA requests to the Custodian of Records in Gascón’s office were either improperly rejected or completely ignored. The ADDA documents how Gascón repeatedly cited unfounded and non-existent legal justifications for evading his legal obligations and withholding critical public records.

Michele Hanisee, President of the ADDA, remarked, “It’s deeply troubling that we are once again forced to take legal action simply to obtain public documents that should be readily available.”

Ryan Erlich, Vice President of the ADDA, added, “The California Public Records Act clearly mandates that public agencies must promptly provide access to public records without unnecessary delays. Yet, George Gascón has consistently violated the law by unlawfully delaying and obstructing the process.”

This lawsuit marks yet another chapter in the ADDA’s ongoing efforts to hold DA Gascón accountable for transparency failures that undermine public trust. The ADDA is represented by Green & Shinee and The Gibbons Firm in this legal action. A copy of the lawsuit is can be downloaded here.