Former Inglewood Police Officer Sentenced to 2½ Years in Federal Prison for Stealing Cocaine from Lockup Then Reselling It

SANTA ANA, California – A former Inglewood Police Department (IPD) officer was sentenced today to 30 months in federal prison for stealing cocaine from IPD’s lock-up and reselling it on the street.

John Abel Baca, 48, of Whittier, then a 21-year veteran of the Inglewood Police Department and its union representative, was sentenced by United States District Judge James V. Selna. Judge Selna also ordered Baca to pay a $40,000 fine and found that Baca abused his position of trust as a police officer and that his sales extended over a lengthy period beginning in 2020.

Baca pleaded guilty in October 2023 to one count of distribution of cocaine.

“This defendant – a veteran of the Inglewood Police Department – abused his position as a law enforcement officer to promote his drug trafficking activities,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “I thank IPD for its cooperation in bringing the defendant to justice – someone who broke his oath to protect the public.”

“Former officer Baca tarnished the badge and dishonored the majority of those who serve and protect our communities with integrity,” said Akil Davis, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office. “This case serves as a reminder that no one is above the law, and corruption and criminal behavior will not be tolerated.”

Baca distributed cocaine on two occasions, the first in April 2021, when he delivered cocaine to a buyer. Baca then delivered approximately one kilogram of cocaine to the same buyer during another meeting in May 2021, in exchange for $22,000 in cash.

In February 2021, the buyer informed the FBI that Baca, then an active-duty IPD officer, previously had offered to sell the buyer one kilogram of cocaine, two kilograms of “White China” heroin, and an unlimited supply of black tar heroin. The buyer reported that Baca claimed to have stolen drugs and cash during routine traffic stops that Baca made as a drug task force officer with IPD.

During a secretly recorded meeting in late April 2021, Baca provided a sample of the cocaine to the buyer to provide to purported buyers. During that meeting, Baca also offered to sell the buyer a kilogram of “China White” heroin for $10,000. Several days later, Baca negotiated the price for one kilogram of cocaine – $22,000 in cash – and then delivered a brick of cocaine to the buyer’s workplace on May 4, 2021. Later the same day, Baca collected $22,000 in cash from the CW’s residence.

The FBI investigated this matter. The Inglewood Police Department provided its full cooperation during the investigation.

Assistant United States Attorney Cassie D. Palmer of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section prosecuted this case.