Downey may become latest city to vote no confidence in George Gascón

DOWNEY — The City Council on Tuesday will consider a symbolic vote of no confidence in Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón, who has drawn scorn from local communities for declining to prosecute lower level crimes. 

A resolution placed on the agenda by Mayor Claudia M. Frometa criticizes Gascón for implementing special directives that result in “undermining the criminal justice system’s goal of protecting the general public and victim’s rights.” 

According to statistics provided by the Downey Police Department, Gascón has rejected more than 40% of criminal cases presented to the District Attorney’s office for prosecution. Most of the cases were for misdemeanors such as larceny, public intoxication, and trespassing.

Narcotic violations have been rejected at a rate of 90.7%. 

If the city council approves the no-confidence vote, Downey would join 30 other cities in condemning Gascón’s policies, including neighboring cities Norwalk, Santa Fe Springs and Whittier.