After a resounding victory in the race for Los Angeles County Sheriff, Robert Luna was sworn into the position Saturday, December 3.

On Monday morning, Luna arrived at the Los Angeles Hall of Justice, greeted by his deputies as he made his way to the podium and addressed the public for the first time as Sheriff.

“Today starts my new chapter with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, as the 34th sheriff of this great county,” Luna said Monday. “With this election, the voters have entrusted me with a very clear mandate, to bring new leadership and accountability to the sheriff’s department and that’s exactly what I’m going to do…”

Similarly to his campaign focus, Luna said the biggest challenge he anticipates facing is public trust, calling it an issue that law enforcement departments face across the country.

Luna beat out Alex Villanueva, who formally said goodbye to his staff and Los Angeles on November 15, conceding the race, and attributing his loss to a “false narrative” created by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, accusing him of “resisting” oversight.

Villanueva, however, welcomed Luna on Saturday, posting a photo with him inside the Sheriff’s office, signaling the official changing of the guard.

“It was a pleasure to meet in my office today with Sheriff-Elect Luna and discuss our peaceful transfer of power,” Villanueva said in a tweet. “I truly wish him the best in leading the greatest law enforcement agency on the planet.”

The former sheriff had previously said that he wished the best for Luna as “the safety of the community depends on him succeeding.”


-30-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.