Former Law Enforcement Officials Face Federal Charges in Extortion Case
Four former law enforcement officials, including two ex-Los Angeles County deputy sheriffs, are facing federal charges in connection with an extortion case involving a Chinese national. The individuals are accused of carrying out raids at the request of the Chinese national, who was embroiled in a legal dispute with a business partner in Irvine.
Details of the Extortion Incident
The four defendants traveled to Irvine in an unmarked Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department vehicle and forcefully entered the home of the business associate and his family. They confiscated cellphones, threatened violence, and coerced the victims into signing over a significant portion of their business to the Chinese national. The incident involved physical intimidation and psychological coercion, resulting in the victims relinquishing millions of dollars’ worth of assets.
Profiles of the Defendants
The defendants, Steven Arthur Lankford, Glen Louis Cozart, Max Samuel Bennett Turbett, and Matthew Phillip Hart, are all retired law enforcement or military personnel who were operating private businesses at the time of their arrests. Lankford and Cozart are former LASD deputies, while Turbett and Hart have military backgrounds from Australia and the UK, respectively. They are facing charges related to conspiracy, extortion, and deprivation of rights under the color of law.
FBI Involvement and Legal Ramifications
The FBI, along with local authorities, intervened in the case, highlighting the severity of the defendants’ actions. If convicted, the men could face lengthy prison sentences for their involvement in the extortion scheme. The FBI emphasized that abuse of official authority for personal gain or vigilante justice will not be tolerated, and all individuals, regardless of their background, will be held accountable for their actions.
In conclusion, the case involving the former law enforcement officials demonstrates the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that those in positions of authority adhere to ethical standards. The arrested individuals serve as a reminder that no one is above the law, and justice will be pursued rigorously in cases of civil rights violations and extortion.
