Ex-Inglewood Police Officer Sentenced for Trafficking Cocaine Evidence

Former Inglewood Police Officer Sentenced for Selling Cocaine Evidence

Former Inglewood police officer John Abel Baca’s downfall came in a dramatic fashion – pulling up to a meeting in a Ferrari with a gram of cocaine in a medical glove. Baca, who was also the department’s union representative at the time, had a kilogram more of the product that he offered to sell for $22,000. However, this meeting was not part of an undercover operation but instead meticulously recorded by the FBI.

This week, Baca, now 48, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to one count of distribution of cocaine. Additionally, he was ordered to pay a $40,000 fine. In his plea agreement with federal prosecutors, Baca confessed to stealing drugs from the Inglewood Police Department’s evidence room and selling them for profit on the side.

The FBI’s Assistant Director, Akil Davis, did not mince words in condemning Baca’s actions, stating that he had tarnished the badge and dishonored the majority of law enforcement officers who serve with integrity. U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada echoed similar sentiments, highlighting how Baca abused his position as a law enforcement officer to further his drug trafficking activities.

Prosecutors detailed how Baca openly boasted to a potential buyer about stealing narcotics and money during routine traffic stops. He offered to sell “White China” heroin, an unlimited supply of black tar heroin, and a kilogram of cocaine. The buyer promptly informed the FBI about Baca’s illicit activities in February 2021.

During their case against Baca, prosecutors focused on two crucial meetings. In one instance, Baca arrived at a buyer’s home in his Ferrari with a small sample of cocaine in a medical glove. The meeting was recorded by federal agents, and subsequent tests revealed that the cocaine was at 75% purity. In a follow-up meeting, Baca arranged to sell the confidential witness a kilogram of cocaine, which he delivered wrapped in a plastic bag and tape in a Target shopping bag.

Moreover, Baca was accused of recruiting another individual, Gerardo Ekonomo, to assist in his drug-dealing activities. Ekonomo, from South L.A., was eventually arrested in Las Vegas with a substantial amount of heroin in his possession. Baca even attempted to intervene in Ekonomo’s case, claiming he was his “handler” and suggesting cooperation with law enforcement. However, Ekonomo was charged with intent to distribute heroin after the FBI discovered large quantities of drugs in his yard.

Prosecutors revealed that at the time of his arrest, Baca had amassed significant wealth beyond his legitimate income, with $300,000 in bank accounts and numerous properties in California and Arizona, along with luxury vehicles. Baca offered a “sincere apology” in court through his attorney, acknowledging that he had disgraced the police badge and would have to live with that shame for the rest of his life.

The case of John Abel Baca serves as a cautionary tale of how even those entrusted with upholding the law can succumb to temptation and corruption. The consequences of his actions not only tarnish his own reputation but also cast a shadow of doubt on the integrity of law enforcement as a whole.