Did food inspector grope doughnut shop owner? What the videotape shows

TALE OF THE TAPE: A surveillance tape shows some curious embracing between an L.A. County health inspector and the owner of a Pomona doughnut shop. The health inspector was charged with misdemeanor sexual battery, but this week, a judge declared a mistrial. According to the San Gabriel Valley Tribune: "Judge David Brougham said the trial could not continue after Deputy District Attorney Lauren Guber failed to give [the inspector's] defense attorney an audio recording she made during interviews with the alleged victim and her husband."

DRIVE-IN: The First Friday food truck event is generating controversy -- and parking issues -- in Venice. (LAist)

BIKE POWER: Santa Monica bikers are gaining political clout. (Santa Monica Daily Press)

FORE!: A pilot successfully lands his plane on Corona golf course. "I was trying to avoid the green," he said after ending up hitting a sand trap. (Riverside Press-Enterprise)

JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Taking a ride on the Fillmore Christmas tree train (Ventura County Star).

-- Shelby Grad

Comments

[Dunno]

There's pretty clear work-related misconduct, but without the audio, it's hard to tell if he has committed a crime.

[latimesreader]

It looks like the 'inspector' was checking out more then the kitchen. He needs about 5 years in the lockup.

[latimesreader]

It looks like the 'inspector' was checking out more then the kitchen. He needs about 5 years in the lockup.

[Cindy Randall]

The judge is an idiot, the woman is obviously NOT a willing participant.

[joe]

What sex?... It looks like she liked the embracing along with what looks like flirting between two adults.. Why didn't she leave if she felt uncomfortable?..That's what's wrong with this country. The bottom line it coms downs to MONEY, which is what she wants.

[Mcgibby]

I think he was clearly inappropriate and at the very least be fired and probably some jail time. He's a rape waiting to happen from what I saw.

[Verizon User]

It's clear from the video the girl is trying to get away from this perverted male! Her body even jerks away from him as he obviously gropes her. "Curious embracing" this is what the LAT writer calls it. I call it SICK! He's not embracing her! He's trying to get some kind of sexual favor for an "A". SHAME on the DA who messed up and now this SICKO gets off free. FIRE HIM!!!!

[geo88a]

Tale of a tape: The responsible D.A is a disgrace.

[Rudi]

Well, if the judicial system can't seem to handle a clear case of harassment, I am sure her husband might have a few ideas of his own.

[Alvin Omeed]

If that was my wife, poor old inspector dude would have a few less fingers to grope with at the very least by the time I got done with him. Might even bring out the "tongue tools" to do some epiglottis adjustments too.

What a jerk. Not on MY wife!

[meggafish]

Back in the days when America was a good country, men mined the ores, other smelted them, other turned them into useful products and the name of the game was value added and we prospered. Now the gov't is the largest employer in the nation and is filled with parasites like this man. They provide no useful benefit and add nothing to society. I'd get rid of all the inspectors; food places know if they poison someone they will be sued and loss their business.

We don't need a DMV to register your car every year, we don't need food inspectors, the ABC board and 100's if not 1000's of positions that great red tape and slow things down. Fire them all and let them work for a living. We need real jobs that make something for use.

I bet this guy ends up with a suspended sentence and gets a job with TSA, where he'll be free to grope to his hearts content.

Bravo gov't you've succeeded in ruining a great nation in 30 years.

[Dann Roche]

Alleged Sexual assault?? are you kidding me?? hell yes it is assault!! the judge that let that go needed to be bitch slapped, and the inspector, if that was my wife, I would without a doubt put his monkey ass in sick bay for a while, what is wrong with people these days? it say when you marry to (protect)your new wife, don't let me see or hear of any thing like that with one of my lady friends, i will protect her honor!!

[J Zea]

The shop owner is clearly not welcoming the advances from the perverted inspector; poor lady...she was taken advantage of for been receptive to simpathy. The inspector and the judge's wife should be left alone for 10 minutes in a back room so this story has a happy ending...

[jojo]

This guy is guilty, this is inappropriate behavior.

[Harpy]

Did food inspector grope doughnut shop owner? Simple answer - YES.

[Dereck]

Disgusting straight people....ick...ick...ick...

[Marv]

That health inspector needs to lose his job, at least. it's only obvious she's resisting, what the heck is wrong with the court system to allow this guy to get away with it? Just because he's a govt. employee? Believe it, if that had been anyone else, they'd be getting a prison term.

[Adam]

The guy should obviously be fired. He grabbed the lady several times as she tried to get away. He was obviously abusing his authority. I can't see any other way to interpret the actions on the video.

[plm]

wow la times!

[collinsfriend]

What difference should the audio tape make??? It is not THIS tape-the crucial one.

[Joe]

@collinsfriend
The D.A failed to disclose audio taped evidence, of an interview with victim. The judge had no choice. Taxpayer got to shell out more money to refile the case. Hopefully D.A attorney Lauren Gruber, will have no part of it!

[dogrob1]

THE STATE SHOULD DO BETTER BACKGROUND CHECKS ON ALL THEIR PUBLIC SERVANTS AND CAREGIVERS...COUNTY, STATE AND FEDERAL EMPLOYEES..ITS A MUST BECAUSE ITS BECOMING TOO COMMON.. MISCONDUCT AND THEFT....

[Mark]

Another crime against women. By the prosecutor and the judge on one hand and by the obvious sexual abuse of a person in power over this small business owner. When will our society stop this.

[Ray]

I wonder how much this goes on elsewhere.

[Ray]

I wonder if the donut shop got a A rating?