Evidence mounting that OC sheriff’s detective illegally listened to attorney-client phone calls

• April 13, 2023

Evidence is mounting in court documents that an Orange County sheriff’s detective illegally listened to at least five recorded calls between a jail inmate and an attorney — including calls in which the officer was warned by the lawyer not to listen.

Recordings of the calls were included in a motion filed Wednesday, April 12, by Assistant Public Defender Scott Sanders in an unrelated drug case. Sanders is seeking the personnel records of newly promoted Sgt. Matthew LeFlore in that case.

Sheriff’s spokesperson Carrie Braun said the department is examining Sanders’ motion to determine how to proceed.

“The department takes any allegation of misconduct seriously,” Braun said. “We are reviewing the motion and are committed to investigating, if discovered, any instances of misconduct.”

The conversations were among the nearly 34,000 attorney-client calls that were inadvertently recorded by the sheriff’s telephone vendor, GTL, now known as ViaPath Technologies. The breach was reported in 2018.

LeFlore is accused by Sanders of listening to recordings made in 2017 of calls from Theo Lacy jail inmate Taylor Camu-Ferguson to attorney Jon Andersen. Sanders is using LeFlore’s conduct regarding the calls to persuade a judge to give him LeFlore’s personnel files for use in an unrelated case involving gun charges.

On the jail recordings, Andersen repeatedly warns that he is an attorney and that anyone eavesdropping is violating the law. In at least two of the recordings, Andersen and Camu-Ferguson mention LeFlore by name in invectives laced with expletives.

In the last call, Andersen warns, “Anyone attempts to listen to this, especially that 5 foot tall, deceitful, lying Orange County sheriff named LeFlore, we’ll seek prosecution, guaranteed. So don’t listen in.”

In court testimony, LeFlore said he did not remember the content of the calls, according to the motion.

“Andersen probably delivered one of the most pointed and unforgettable warnings ever heard by a law enforcement member accessing attorney-client calls,” Sanders wrote in his motion. “If … LeFlore suffers from memory loss at the level required for his testimony to have been truthful, he would be mentally unfit to serve as an officer.”

LeFlore, in log notes kept on the recordings, indicated he stopped listening when he discovered the calls were between an inmate and an attorney. But those notes include information that LeFlore would only have known by listening to the recordings, Sanders said in an interview.

While it is clear in all five recordings that an attorney is on the line, LeFlore mentions in his log that only one of the calls is confidential and should not be listened to, the motion says. In the other calls, he writes a summary of what was discussed — which does not match the recordings, Sanders writes.

Sanders also notes the way LeFlore picked the recordings that he listened to. Sanders said LeFlore could not have targeted Camu-Ferguson because the inmate used PIN numbers and accounts belonging to other inmates. It appears LeFlore targeted the publicly listed phone number of attorney Andersen — whose conversations with clients are legally protected, Sanders said.

Sanders said LeFlore apparently targeted Andersen because the lawyer had earlier filed a complaint with the Orange County District Attorney’s Office alleging the detective lied and fabricated facts to support a search warrant. Prosecutors took no action against LeFlore.

“There’s not a chance of any of it being a coincidence,” Andersen said in an interview Wednesday. “He knew what he was doing. … He tracked me. He took my number and searched all the records for the calls.”

While testifying in a separate drug case last year, LeFlore said he was never questioned by the Sheriff’s Department on the accessed phone calls. Sanders said LeFlore’s testimony is evidence that sheriff’s officials never fully investigated allegations that deputies illegally listened to attorney-client conversations.

Sanders also alleges that LeFlore retaliated against Camu-Ferguson for insulting him in the phone recordings by resurrecting an old burglary case against him. Camu-Ferguson ended up pleading guilty in that case.

Andersen said he may ask that felony convictions be overturned against Camu-Ferguson and other clients he represents in which LeFlore was the investigator.

Related links

Attorney accuses Orange County sheriff of intentionally eavesdropping on attorney-inmate phone calls
DA asked to investigate Orange County’s illegally recorded attorney-client phone calls
Nearly 34,000 Orange County inmates’ calls to attorneys recorded, not the 1,079 originally reported
Conflicting information on breached jail phone calls sends Orange County defense attorneys to court
Orange County grand jury finds no damage from improper recordings of phone calls between jail inmates, lawyers

LeFlore also was caught up in a 2018 scandal over the inability by deputies to book evidence in a timely manner — if at all.

In one case, LeFlore had taken custody of two full boxes of bullets, 11 grams of methamphetamine and a pipe stuffed inside a pair of boots. He never booked the property and, two weeks later, placed the boots on a shelf in a sheriff’s substation, with a sign saying “Free.”

Court documents previously show LeFlore on five occasions wrote in his official reports that he had placed evidence — typically documents and photos — in a sheriff’s locker when, in fact, he had not. The evidence was booked more than 20 days late on three occasions.

One case was referred by the Sheriff’s Department to the District Attorney’s Office, but no charge was filed.

Meanwhile, LeFlore was assigned to investigate other deputies who failed to book evidence and ultimately was promoted to sergeant and placed at Theo Lacy jail, where the recording breaches occurred.

Staff writer Scott Schwebke contributed to this report.

​ Orange County Register 

Orange County scores and player stats for Wednesday, April 12

• April 13, 2023

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Scores and stats from Orange County games on Wednesday, April 12

Click here for details about sending your team’s scores and stats to the Register.

WEDNESDAY’S SCORES

BASEBALL

ORANGE LEAGUE

Savanna 5, Century 1

Sav: Morales (W, 5IP, 2K, H), Machado SV, 2IP, Carrillo 2-3, Gomez 2-3

SOFTBALL

GOLDEN WEST LEAGUE

Katella 5, Godinez 1

Segerstrom 17, Garden Grove 5

SOUTH COAST LEAGUE

San Juan Hills 2, Mission Viejo 0

BOYS LACROSSE

NONLEAGUE

Sacred Heart Prep/Atherton 11, St. Margaret’s 9

GIRLS LACROSSE

PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE

Portola 12, Woodbridge 6

Por: Zdanavage 7 goals, Fawzi 3 assists

​ Orange County Register 

Albano’s Diamond Club: Orange County softball standouts last week, April 12

• April 13, 2023

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Dan Albano’s Diamond Club outstanding softball players last week, April 3-8:

Lauren Mendez, Foothill, Jr., P

Mendez allowed two runs on seven hits and struck out three in tossing a complete game in a 3-2 victory against Top 10-ranked Villa Park. She earned her 10th victory with the performance.

Alexis Perez, Sunny Hills, So., P

Perez fired a complete game in a 10-3 victory against Troy in the Freeway League and a two-hit shutout in a 12-0 win against Buena Park in another league game.

Zoe Prystajko, Huntington Beach, Jr., P

The Stanford commit allowed one earned run on seven hits and struck out 12 in a complete game to lead the Oilers to a 9-4 win against Marina in the Sunset League. She also went 4 for 4 at the plate with a home run and three RBIs. Prystajko has seven home runs.

Breana Townsend, Cypress, Jr., 3B

Townsend went 2 for 4 with a double, home run, four RBIs and scored three runs in a 9-4 victory at Kennedy in the Empire League.

Mckenzie Wanner, Kennedy, Sr., P

The Northern State (South Dakota)-bound pitcher fired four scoreless innings of relief to combine with starter Corie Cheng in a 2-1 victory against Top 10-ranked Pacifica in the Empire League.

PAST SELECTIONS

March 22

Kaylee Layfield, JSerra, Jr., SS

Loula McNamara, Tesoro, So., P

Audrey Robles, El Modena, Sr., 2B

Jillian Torres, Santa Margarita, So., CF

Bianne Weiss, Orange Lutheran, Jr., P

March 15

Giselle Alvarez, Los Alamitos, Sr., 3B

Makenzie Butt, Fountain Valley, Jr., INF

Alysa Del Val, Pacifica, Sr., 2B

Kai Minor, Orange Lutheran, So., CF

Sara Pinedo, El Modena, So., P

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March 8

Auddrey Lira, Villa Park, So., P

Malaya Majam-Finch, Fullerton, Fr., P

Peyton May, Orange Lutheran, Fr., P

Zoe Prystajko, Huntington Beach, Jr., P

Natalie Romero, Rosary, Sr., P

Please send nominees for Diamond Club softball players of the week to Dan Albano at [email protected] or @ocvarsityguy on Twitter

​ Orange County Register 

NAMM Show 2023: A Duran Duran bass and Ukrainian guitar among instruments on display

• April 13, 2023

The NAMM Show, running from Thursday, April 13 through Saturday, April 15, returned to the Anaheim Convention Center with its annual preview day on Thursday. A limited group of vendors gathered outside the main exhibit hall to demonstrate their latest products, including several tech and gear innovations this weekend.

The NAMM (originally National Association of Music Merchants) convention has been held in Anaheim since 1978 and draws more than 115,000 registrants from over 130 countries each year. Much like other in-person events disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic, the  convention opted for a virtual event in 2021. 

Last year it returned with a scaled-down hybrid show, allowing a limited number of guests to attend in person while offering live stream and on-demand options. The convention plans to come back with its usual mid-January dates and at full capacity in 2024. Still, this year continues to bring big brand names such as Yamaha, which had a booth that displayed its new releases of acoustic guitar models, the FG9 R and FG 9 M.

“Since the 1960s, FG has been in the market in the United States,” said Michael Garant, marketing manager for guitars at Yamaha. “This takes all our 50 years of learning and building and then talking to players about how they feel about its sound, playability and how it accompanies their voice.”

Yamaha experimented with the designs, which resulted in two FG9 models, the FG9 R with a rosewood back and the FG9 M with a mahogany back. The FG9 R retails for $6,780, and the FG9 M at $6,620.

Another booth by Dingwall Guitars showcased Duran Duran‘s bass player John Taylor’s signature bass inspired by the band’s “Rio” album. The sleek bass design incorporates the colors of the album and a symbol that resembles an eye found on the album’s cover on the bottom right. The symbol is embedded into the bass guitar’s neck.

“The story behind it, unofficially, was, this is an icon that someone found in the catacombs below Jerusalem,” said Sheldon Dingwall, founder of Dingwall Guitars. “Somehow, it ended up on their album, so John wanted it on the guitar.”

Duran Duran fans and bass players alike will have to wait to get their hands on the model. Dingwall said that only 82 models of the signature bass retailing at $2,830 were made, and they sold out today after their release, but more production versions are slated to be released this summer.

Other interesting finds at the media preview included a 3D-printed violin by 3Dvarius, which specialize in designing electric violins and cellos. Another eye-catching design was a guitar inspired by Ukraine and its fight against Russia.

The guitar, named Voila, was created by the Ukrainian guitar company Universum Guitars and the Swedish company True Temperament. It incorporates colors of the Ukrainian flag and other cultural symbols, such as the style of Ukrainian embroidery and a blooming periwinkle, which is believed to be a symbol of love in the country. The guitar will be sold in an upcoming auction which will benefit Ukrainian efforts in the war.

“It’s more important than a guitar, said Ruslan Radtchenko, a presenter of the Voila guitar. “It’s a symbol of national unity, which is so important in these days when (Ukraine) fights for freedom.”

The convention is usually a weeklong industry engagement exclusive to badge-holders, often including classes, live performances, seminars and workshops. Some of the more prominent talking points for this weekend’s programming include diversity and inclusion, social media skills, branding, and sustainability.

The NAMM Show will also feature a massive marketplace, which serves as a hub where some of the top brands and buyers come together to shop and look at the latest in musical products, recording technology, sound and lighting and more.

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Musicians will be performing live throughout the convention. This weekend’s lineup features 150 artists, including Mariachi Divas De Cindy Shea, Khalil Nash and the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West’s The Commanders Jazz Ensemble.

A series of awards shows and celebrations, including She Rocks, an award ceremony that honors women in the music and audio industry, are slated for this weekend. In addition, this year, the NAMM Show is hosting the Hip-Hop 50 celebration, which will host a curated slate of sessions and events throughout the conference that pays tribute to the genre and its impact on culture, music, and music-making products. Chuck D, the leader and founder of the rap group Public Enemy, will be honored with NAMM’s Impact Music & Culture Award on Thursday, April 13.

​ Orange County Register 

Grand Prix of Long Beach: Schedule of events for 3 days of racing

• April 13, 2023

ACURA GRAND PRIX OF LONG BEACH

What: 48th edition

When: Friday-Sunday

Where: Streets of Long Beach

Defending champion: Josef Newgarden (Team Penske)

Most wins: Al Unser Jr. 6, Mario Andretti 4, Paul Tracy 4, Sebastien Bourdais 3

Current IndyCar standings: Three of the top six spots are currently held by Chip Ganassi Racing drivers: Pato O’Ward (Arrow McLaren, 82 points), Marcus Ericsson (Ganassi, 75 points), Scott Dixon (Ganassi, 67 points), Josef Newgarden (Team Penske, 66 points), Alex Palou (Ganassi, 60 points), David Malukas (Dale Coyne Racing w/HMD)

Tickets: gplb.com/tickets or call 888-827-7333

FRIDAY, APRIL 14

7:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. – Spectator Gates Open

7:45-8:15 a.m. – Porsche Carrera Cup Practice #1

9-10 a.m. – IMSA Practice #1

10:15-10:35 a.m. – Historic F1 Practice #1

11:15-11:55 a.m. – Porsche Carrera Cup Practice #2

12:10-12:30 p.m. – Stadium Super Trucks Practice #1

12:45-2:30 p.m. – IMSA Practice #2

3-4:15 p.m. – NTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice #1

4:30-5 p.m. – Porsche Carrera Cup Qualifying

4:55-5:55 p.m. – NTT INDYCAR SERIES All-Driver Autograph Session (INDYCAR Paddock – open to all spectators)

5:10-5:55 p.m. – IMSA Qualifying

6:30-8:30 p.m. – Super Drift Challenge #1

6:30-8 p.m. – Fiesta Friday Starring Boombox Cartel Presented by Acura

SATURDAY, APRIL 15

7:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. – Spectator Gates Open

7:45-8:05 a.m. – Historic F1 Practice #2

8:45-9:45 a.m. – NTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice #2

11:20-11:40 a.m. – Historic F1 Challenge Race #1

12:05-1:20 p.m. – NTT INDYCAR SERIES Qualifying & Fast 6

1:30-2 p.m. – IMSA Pre-Race

2-4 p.m. – IMSA SportsCar Grand Prix (100 min.)

4:30-5 p.m. – Stadium SUPER Trucks Race #1

5:15-5:55 p.m. – Porsche Carrera Cup Race #1

6:30-8:30 p.m. – Super Drift Challenge #2

6:30-8 p.m. – Kings of Chaos w/Special Guests Concert Presented by Acura

SUNDAY, APRIL 16

7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. – Spectator Gates Open

9-9:30 a.m. – NTT INDYCAR SERIES Warm-Up

10:45-11:05 a.m. – Historic F1 Challenge Race #2

11:10-11:20 a.m.– Acura NSX Hot Laps

11:25-11:40 a.m. – Mothers Exotic Car Parade

11:45 a.m.-12:35 p.m. – NTT INDYCAR SERIES Pre-Race

12:35 p.m. – “Drivers, Start Your Engines!”

12:45-3 p.m. – Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach (Round #3 of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES – 85 Laps)

3:30-4 p.m. – Stadium SUPER Trucks Race #2

4:20-5 p.m. – Porsche Carrera Cup Race #2

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​ Orange County Register 

Clippers know Suns’ Kevin Durant is significant obstacle

• April 12, 2023

PLAYA VISTA — The Clippers have many things on their mind heading into their first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns, but one player is occupying most of their thoughts.

That’s Kevin Durant. More than veteran Chris Paul or All-Star Devin Booker, Durant has grabbed their attention as they prepare for the best-of-seven series that begins Sunday night in Phoenix.

“That’s just really it,” Terance Mann said. “They have Kevin Durant, so it’s not just any trio. You’ve got one of the best scorers of all time out there that you’ve got to worry about now. It’s going to be a completely different game plan from when we played them in the past.

“It’s almost a completely different team because he’s out there.”

The fourth-seeded Suns acquired Durant in a trade deadline swap with the Brooklyn Nets, but he didn’t make his debut until March 1 because of a right knee injury. In his first game with the Suns, the two-time NBA Finals MVP scored 23 points on 10-of-15 shooting.

He played two games before slipping on the court during pregame warmups and spraining his left ankle, causing him to miss 10 games. In his eight games alongside Paul and Booker, the Suns went 8-0 and Durant averaged 26 points in 33.6 minutes per game.

The fifth-seeded Clippers have faced prolific scorers and stars in recent playoff series from Luka Doncic to Donovan Mitchell to Nikola Jokic, but they speak of Durant as if he’s their biggest offensive obstacle to date.

Durant’s shot-making comes in the flow of the offense; he doesn’t force shots or shoot the ball to draw fouls. His presence also has enabled other players, such as Paul, to find open looks and causes defenses to make difficult decisions that don’t always succeed.

“KD on any team gives you problems no matter who it is, so we’ve just got to be locked in and ready to go,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said, calling him one of the best one-on-one players in the league.

The combination of Durant’s size and scoring prowess makes him a tough matchup for any team and while there are players who have the size and perhaps the strength to match up, few have the quickness to stay in front of him. He has long been considered one of the most difficult players to guard.

Even in practice.

When asked who would mimic Durant during their practice sessions, Lue joked that he was going to use himself. Lue settled on Brandon Boston, who at 6-foot-6 and 188 pounds best resembles the 6-10 Durant.

Boston Jr., however, is not Durant and cannot mirror the same offensive challenges that the 13-time All-Star presents.

“He’s always been very efficient,” said Russell Westbrook, who played with Durant for eight seasons in Oklahoma City. “But I think his ability to be more efficient and still score the ball at a high rate (is the biggest challenge.) He’s probably one of the best scorers I’ve seen, someone who can score at ease and looks so effortless. Over the years, he’s figured out ways to score the basketball at a very, very high rate, and that’s kind of what I’ve seen over the years.”

Norman Powell called Durant dynamic, a player who can score on all three levels. “I mean, he’s 7-foot tall, he can shoot over anybody he wants to. But just the physicality.”

Powell added “that’s the mindset that we have going in, setting the tone, being the more physical team, not making it easy. That’s what we got to do. We got to crowd him. We got to be physical. We got to bump him; try to make it as uncomfortable as possible for him, you know.”

Lue said the Clippers are up for the challenge of Durant, Booker and the entire Suns roster.

“We’re in the playoffs, and it’s about being locked in,” Lue said. “I think the biggest thing for our team is just taking away the mental mistakes, the game-plan mistakes. We’ve got to be better with that because they’ll make you pay every single time.

“We’ve got to be sharper with what we’re doing defensively, and then offensively just reading how they’re going to play us, and we’ll be able to understand that once the game starts.”

INJURY UPDATE

Paul George, who has not played since injuring his right knee on March 21, took part in limited shooting drills Wednesday. He suffered a sprained right knee in a loss to Oklahoma City and is not expected to play in the first-round series against the Suns. The Clippers are 12-14 without George this season.

​ Orange County Register 

The Grape Debate:

• April 12, 2023

The LA County Fair is one of the most exciting and anticipated events of the year for families and friends. With rides, games, food, and a wide range of attractions, it’s no surprise that the LA County Fair draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. But what many people don’t know is that the LA County Fair is also home to one of the most prestigious wine competitions in the United States: the Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition.

For 88 years, the competition has been bringing together the finest palates from around the world to sample and evaluate thousands of wines and spirits. From little-known wineries to traditional labels, this event can catapult a producer to worldwide fame or reiterate the staying power of an established brand.

The LA County Fair began awarding medals to the finest wines in California shortly after the end of prohibition. Over time, the event grew to world-class stature, and in 1991, judging included not only entries from the California wine industry, but also wines from throughout North and South America. Eventually, Italian varietals were added, and in 2002, the doors were opened to entries from around the globe.

In the early years of the competition, only 16 judges participated and fewer than 200 wines were sampled. Now, thousands of wines are evaluated by panels of judges ranging from master sommeliers, wine marketers, buyers, chefs, and wine writers.

The wine and spirits are judged in a blind tasting and scored using a point method. With many varietals and price ranges represented, the point system acknowledges each varietal’s special attributes and provides a level of precision in the competition’s wine ranking systems, a benefit for both the competition and wine enthusiasts.

Since its introduction in 2007, the Los Angeles International Spirits Competition has also become a gold standard for selecting the best distilled beverages. The respected panel of judges also uses a blind-tasting method to award medals to the finest spirits from around the world.

The competition, which was held on March 22 and 23 at Fairplex in Pomona, CA, is a partner of the LA County Fair. Visitors to the LA County Fair will be able to try the medal-winning wines and spirits while enjoying all the other attractions the fair has to offer. Access to the marketplace is included with general admission. Attendees will be able to purchase tickets for the tastings and education classes once inside.

So, if you’re planning to attend the LA County Fair this year, be sure to check out the medal-winning wines and spirits from the Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition. You never know, you may discover a new favorite or reaffirm your love for an old one.

​ Orange County Register 

Lake Forest man pleads guilty to defrauding companies out of $3 million in anti-COVID gloves

• April 12, 2023

A Lake Forest man pleaded guilty on Wednesday, April 12, to defrauding companies out of more than $3 million in needed medical supplies at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, federal prosecutors said.

Christopher John Badsey, 62, pleaded guilty to four counts of wire fraud and could face up to 20 years in federal prison for each count at a sentencing hearing in September.

In June and July of 2020, investigators said, Badsey told three companies he had access to a large supply of nitrile gloves, vital protective equipment in the early days of the pandemic, through his Irvine company, First Defense International Security Services Corp.

In truth, authorities said, Badsey never had any of the gloves.

Before representatives could inspected the gloves, he asked for a deposit of $1 million or more from each company.

Badsey told the companies to wire the deposits, and he received $3.2 million.

He must forfeit items and money he received because of the fraud as part of his plea deal, including a yacht, a pontoon boat, several cars, fishing equipment and over $50,000 in cash.

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​ Orange County Register