A veteran prosecutor has tentatively settled his lawsuit against Los Angeles County alleging he was demoted for bucking former District Attorney George Gascón’s controversial sentencing directives.
Deputy District Attorney Michael K. Matoba alleged in the suit he was transferred in October 2021 from a high-profile post in the Sex Crimes Unit to a less prestigious job in the Elder Abuse Unit because he informed the court that Gascón’s blanket policy to exclude special circumstance allegations was unlawful.
“Plaintiff was transferred to elder abuse, a position that requires travel all over the county, is not coveted and is highly unlikely to result in an advancement or promotion,” stated the 2022 suit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court. “Plaintiff alleges that most, if not all, of his eligible peers that he served with in line operations in the Sex Crimes Unit have been promoted.”
Beth D. Corriea, an attorney representing Matoba, filed a settlement notice with the court Tuesday indicating that a request to dismiss the suit will be submitted no later than Sept 1. Terms of the proposed settlement were not disclosed.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office declined to comment, saying it does not discuss litigation or personnel matters. The county Board of Supervisors, which would be responsible for approving the settlement, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Gascón lost his bid for reelection to a second term in November to former federal prosecutor Nathan Hochman.
Matoba is among at least 24 prosecutors who have filed lawsuits against Gascón alleging they too faced retaliation for challenging his policies.
Matoba alleges the retaliation stems from his involvement in prosecuting sexually violent predator Kenneth Kasten Rasmuson for the murders of two 6-year-old boys, Jeffrey Vargo of Anaheim Hills and Miguel Antero of Agoura Hills.
Jeffrey was abducted on July 2, 1981, while bike riding near his Anaheim Hills home. His…
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