L( ANGELES POLICE COMrv_~.,SION BOAR OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS RICHAR M. TEFANK EXECLITIVE IRECTOR JOHNW. MACK PRESIENT ALAN J. SKOBIN VICE PRESIENT RICHAR ROOYAN ROBERT M. SALTZMAN EBRA WONG YANG MARIA SILVA COMMISSION EXECLITIVE ASSISTANT I ANTONIO R. VILLARAIGOSA MAYOR NICOLE C. BERSHON IN SPECTOR GENERAL EXECUTIVE OFFICE POLICE AMINISTRATION B UILING 100 WEST FIRST STREET, SUITE 134 Los ANGELES, CA 90012-4112 {213) 236-1400 PHONE {213) 236-1410 FAX (213) 236-1440 T September 6, 2011 BPC #11-0337 The Honorable Antonio Villaraigosa Mayor, City oflos Angeles City Hall, Room 303 Los Angeles, CA 90012 The Honorable City Council City oflos Angeles c/o City Clerk's Office ear Honorable Members: RE: REQUEST FOR PAYMENT OF REWR OFFER ON CITY COUNCIL FILE NO. 10-0010-S3, Cl At the regular meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners held Tuesday, August 23, 2011, the Board APPROVE the epartment's report relative to the above matter. This matter is being forwarded to you for approval. Respectfully, BOAR OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS '- MARIA SILVA Commission Executive Assistant Attachment c: Chief of Police AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY - AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER www.laponline.org www.joinlap.com
INTRAEPARTMENTAL CORRESPONENCE August 17, 2011 TO: The Honorable Board of Police Commissioners FROM: Chief of Police SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR PAYMENT OF REWAR OFFER ON CITY COUNCIL FILE NO. 10-0010-S3, Cl RECOMMENE ACTIONS 1. That the Board of Police Commissioners REVIEW and APPROVE the attached Application for Special Reward Payment. 2. That the Board of Police Commissioners TRANSMIT to the Mayor and City Council the Application for Special Reward Payment for review and approval. ISCUSSION On ecember 21,2009 at approximately 4:10PM, Fereidoun Kohanim, age 72, was working the front counter of his 98 Cent Store located at 1316 West Venice Boulevard in the City of Los Angeles, (also referred to as the Pico!Union Community). Suddenly, three men entered the store and demanded money. One suspect produced a handgun and pointed it at Mr. Kohanim while another suspect remained by the entry door with a backpack open and motioning for Mr. Kohanim to place money and items into the backpack. Another of the three suspects went behind the counter and attempted to attack Mr. Kohanim from behind. As Mr. Kohanim turned to defend himself, the suspect with the handgun shot Mr. Kohanim in the back of the head. In a horribly tragic and senseless act, Mr. Kohanim, who just minutes before was simply working at the counter of his small market was murdered in front of his wife (who is legally blind) with his two adult sons in an office to the rear of the market. ecember 21,2009, Los Angeles Police epartment, Rampart Homicide etectives Jeff Cortina, Serial No. 35632 and Julian Pere, Serial No. 27434, were assigned the investigation. ecember 22, 2009, etective Cmiina contacted Councilmen Ed Reyes' office to request that a reward be offered to assist in obtaining infonnation from the community that would lead to the identification of the suspects responsible for the murder. A media briefing which included video from the victim's market was conducted at the Rampart Community Police Station.
Honorable oard of Police Commissioners Page 2 4.10 ecember 28, 2009, etective Cm1ina received a call from an "anonymous caller" who stated they had seen the news and video from the victim's market and had information about the suspects of the murder. etectives Cortina and Pere met with the person who provided infonnation that led to the identification and arrest of subject Jesse Galvan, a "Clanton" gang member with a moniker of "Youngster." The Los Angeles City Council passed a motion authorizing a $50,000.00 reward as an inducement for persons to come forward with information leading to the identification, apprehension, and conviction ofthe person or persons responsible for the murder offereidoun Kohanim. June 29, 2010, a Search and Arrest Warrant were issued by the Honorable Judge Terry Bork for Jesse Galvan at his residence with the address of 4944 Bleeker Street, Baldwin Park, CA. July 7, 2010, subject Jesse Galvan was taken into custody and the search warrant served for his residence. Two handguns were obtained as a result of the search along with items that showed Galvan's involvement in the street gang "Clanton." Eastlake Juvenile Hall eputy istrict Attorney Buckley filed one count 187(A) PC Murder. Jesse Galvan remains in custody awaiting adjudication. It is the opinion ofthe investigating detectives that, if the "Anonymous Person" had not come forward with the information that was provided, detectives would not, to date, have been able to identify and anest one of the persons responsible for the murder of Fereidoun Kohanim. We are respectfully requesting that $15,000.00 (a portion) ofthe reward be made available to the "Anonymous Person." If you have any questions, please contact Captain Steven Ruiz, Commanding Officer, Rampart Area, at 213-484-3010. Attachment: Motion for Reward, 1 0-00 1 0-SJ, C 1
CITY OF LOS ANGELES REWAR CLAIM CHECKLIST This form must be submitted with the epartment's recommendation concerning payment of the reward. One checklist must be submitted for each claimant. COUNCIL FILE NUMBER: 10-001 0-S3 TYPE OF CRIME/INVESTIGATION: Murder -------------- ------------~ REWAR EFFECTIVE ATE: --~-----0_1_11_2_1_2_0_1 0--~----~ R/AGENCY FILE NUMBER: 0902-22968 ----------~---------- REWAR AMOUNT: $ 50,000.00 REWAR EXPIRATION ATE: ~--~0_61_1_1_/2_0_1_0 INFO RECEIVE WHILE REWAR IN EFFECT: [ZJYES (Check one) 0 NO ATE RECEIVE: ~----- --1_21_2_8_12_0_1_0 ~ CLAIMANT: Anonymous CLAIMANT'S OCCUPATION: house keeper (Name or "Anonymous." If multiple anonymous claimants, indicate as "Claimant A, Claimant B," etc.). -------~-------------- CASE INVEST. BY: LAP Rampart- Homicide Unit ('Iv/Seclion) lnvestigator(s) Assigned: et. Jeff Cortina #35632 et. J. Pere #27 434 (Name and Serial No.) OTHER CITY EPARMENT: -------------- T e le ph one: ( 213) _4.co8,_4, -""'3""'6o::-34_. _ Telephone: (213) 484-3638 --~~~~~------------------- The above claimant is OELIGIBLE []NOT ELIGIBLE to receive payment of a reward pursuant to the Los Angeles Administrative Code ivision 19, Chapter 12, Sections 19.120 through 19.129.4. Reason(s} for claimant being NOT ELIGIBLE to receive payment 0 Claimant is a City Officer, employee, or public officer or employee whose employment includes duties of law enforcement. Claimant obtained information far a relative who is a City Officer, employee, or public officer or employee, and that person obtained the information in the course of hisfher employment. [J 0 Claimant is a dependent of a City Officer, employee, or public officer or employee whose duties include law enforcement. Claimant has already been compensated by his/her employer in some other manner for the actions which are the basis for claiming the reward. Claimant has not provided continued cooperation within the criminal justice system relative to the case for which the offer of reward is made. Claimant is co-suspect in the crime for which the reward is offered. [l The suspect would benefit from payment of the reward to the claimant. 0\her: ~------~--~~---------------~--~~ 0 The cia imant is acting as an agent for the sus pee\. Explanation: (If additional space is needed, use next page.) APPROVE BY RANK/TITLE ---------------
ISTRIBUTION OR!G --lap UPE-~ City Clerk UPE -- Claimant CITY OF LOS ANGELES APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL REWAR PAYMENT Neither the filing nor submitting of information, nor the receipt or consideration thereof by the City, shall establish legal claim to, or right of recovery of, any reward offered. The provision of payment shall be governed by Chapter 12, ivision 19 of the Los Angeles Administrative Code. 1. PRINT NAME OF APPLICANT: Last, Anonymous First, Middle 2. ARESS: (Street} Care of 1/0 Rampart Station aytime Phone & Contact Person (City) Los Angeles (State- Zip) CA 3. TOAY'S ATE: 4. OCCUPATION: 05!11/2011 5, RIVER'S LICENSE# or CALIF 10 #: 6. SOCIAL SECURITY#: (For payment purposes) ESCRIPTION OF CIRCUMSTANCES: (l=pl_ln or mark ALL that apply}_ NOTE: The applicant is responsible for providing ALL of the following required information. A claim that does not provide the following required information may be disapproved for insufficient information. 7. ATE OF INCIENT: ~-1_2_/2_1_/_2_0_0_9~ 8. TIME OF INCIENT: 1,,6:..-1'-"0'--- LOCATION OF INCIENT: 1316 W. Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA AM NOON 0PM MINIGHT 9. 12. TYPE OF CRIME/INVESTIGATION: Murder 187 (A) PC ----------~~------------------~ -------------------------------------- ESCRIPTION OF INCIENT: Victim (owner of store) was working at front counter. Three suspects entered store and. at,tem~ted t~ rob v,ict ~~s~3r~ots victim in the back of his head. Viet pronounced at scene. X p6./.' Q.~~/-t /?c1/ [,/1)-/:---((ji!Y 1 3. X APPLICANT SIGNATURE ~----------------------------------- PARENT OR GUARIAN SIGNATURE (under 1 B years) PO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS. LlNE - FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY INVESTIGATING OFFICER: Name el Jeff Cortina Serial# 35632 Agency LAP Phone# (213)484-3634 NAME OF VICTIM OR CASE: Mr. Fereidoun Kohanim RECOMMENATION: [{]APPROVAL 0 ISAPPROVAL INVESTIGATION CHECKLIST ATTACHE: 0 Yes 0 No [] INSUFFICIENT INVOLVEMENT [] INSUFFICIENT INFORMATION BRIEF EXPLANATION OR COMMENTS: The only evidence to help solve the crime was a video that depicted the murder. A media brefing which included portions of the video was conducted and the incident was broadcast on all of the major stations the same evening. An anonymous caller called and provided detectives with the only leads that resulted in the identification of one suspect. REVIEWE AN APPROVE BY:
CONTINUATION SHEET PAGE TYPE OF REPORT BOOKING NO. R NO. 2 OF 2 APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL REWAR PAYMENT 09-02-22967 ITEM I I MISC. ESCRIPTION (COLOR, SIZE, NO. QUAN. ARTICLE SERIAL NO. BRAN MOEL NO. INSCRIPTIONS, CALIBER, REVOLVER, ETC.) OLLAR VALUE ecember 21, 2009, The murder offereidoun Kohanim at his 98 cent store located at 1316 W. Venice Blvd occured on. ecember 22, 2009, A request was put into Councilmen Ed Reyes Office, Council istrict 1, requesting a reward be issued for information that would lead to the identification and arrest ofthe suspect/s responsible for the murder of Mr. Kohanim. A media breifing was conducted at Rampart Community Police Station which included portions of the video that depicted the suspects, their actions and ul6mately, the murder of Mr. Kohanim. ecember 28, 2009, As a result of viewing the video depicting the murder on the evening news, an anonymous caller contacted Rampart etectives Cortina & Pere. The caller was able to provide enough detail about the identity of one of the suspects that allowed etectives to ultimately obtain a Search and Arrest Warrant. January 12,2010, Los Angeles City Council approves the "Request for Reward." (et Cortina was told the primary reason for the delay in obtaining the reward was the Winter break for the Council). June 29, 2010, Search warrant completed and signed by the Honorable Judge Bork for the arrest of Jesse Galvan and the search of his residence located at 4944 Bleeker, Baldwin Park, CA. July 7, 2010, The warrant was served, suspect was taken into custody and (2) handguns were taken into custody. Because Jesse Galvan was a minor at the time of the crime, the case was presented to the Eastlake istrict Attornerys office. Galvan remains in custody in Juvenil Hall awaiting his hearing. There was no other evidence other than the video. No other information was specifically obtained that would have led etectives to be able to identify Jesse Galvan with out the "Anonymous Callers" information. For that reason, it is the strong belief of etectives that the "Anonymous Caller" is deserving of a portion of the reward. etectives are respectfully requesting that "Anonymous Caller" be provided $15,000.00 in exchange for the information provided. '--------~----------- ---- ----------- ----- ------ --- ------------------------ 15.09.00 (1 0/81)
I 0 -f!)o I 0 - r;:.j I.' ~~;i+ 1 g2qlf~ (!0 I M 0 T} igl~;\:\.r~clhc;:. /ij:>;,~,~~i T;).u: i<\:;iu #52~ ( On ecember 21, 2009 at approximately 4:10 ;n-:r:;~;~tdoun Kohanil11~age72;-was~-~rklni the~~~~-- front counter of his store in the 1300 block of West Venice Boulevard in the Pico~Union community. Suddenly, three men entered the store and demanded money. One of the suspects went behind the colll11er and thteatcncd to strike Mr. Kohanim who turned to defend himself. In a horribly senseless act, Mr. Kohaniam was then shot in the head by another suspect. The victim's wife and two children, who were in the back of the store, tragically witnessed the entire scene. Surveillance video was aired to the public shortly afterward but detectives have not received any leads. etectives hope that a monetary reward motivates witnesses to come forward and identify ihe suspects. The person or persons responsible for this crime represent an ongoing threat to the safety of the people of Los Angeles; therefore, it is appropriate for the City of Los Angeles to offer a reward for infonnation leading to the identification, apprehension and conviction oftbe person or persons responsible for the death offereidoun Kohanim. I THEREFORE MOVE that by adoption ofthis Motion, the City Council provide an offer of reward for information leading to the identification, apprd1ension, and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the death of Fcrcidoun Kohanim, a resident of the City of Los Angeles, on cccmbcr 21, 2009, and in support thercoi~ make the following findings pursuant to ivision 19, Chapter 12, A1iicle l of the Los Angeles Administrative Code: 1. That the death offereidoun Kohanim was caused by the willtul misconduct of one or more persons. 2. TI1at this offer of reward is consistent with and taken for the immediate protection of the public peace, health and safety of local residents, as well as visitors to the City, and is consistent with the need to anest and convict the person or persons who, because of not being apprehended, could by their actions further terrorize and present a continuing and immediate menace to the rights of persons in the City. 3. That what happened to fereidoun Kohanim, is an especially disturbing crime and therefore, as a matter of public policy, the City hereby offers a reward as an added inducement for persons to come forward with information leading to the identification, apprehension and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the death of Fereidoun Kohanim.. 4, Thalthe sum of $50,000 shall be the aggregate maximum sum of any payment or payments of a City reward in this instance. 5. That the offer of reward shall be in effect for six months from the elate or Lhe advertisement of the reward by the City Clerk. I FURTHER MOVE that!he City Clerk be directed to cause notices and/or advertisements to be duly published according to the requirements of ivision 19, Chapter 12, Article 1 of the Los Angele Administrative Code, and to thereby cause tl1e offer of reward to become dkctivc... J Jl)