On September 16, 2015, an incident occurred during the LA County Fair that involved a police use of force and the arrests of four people. Within eight days the Pomona Police Department commenced an investigation into the incident.
In early 2016, while the Department’s own investigation was well underway, the US Department of Justice gave notice that they were initiating a criminal investigation on the same incident.
In accordance with state law and advice of counsel, upon learning of the criminal investigation the Department’s investigation was held in abeyance as not to interfere with or complicate the federal investigation. The Pomona Police Department assigned a police executive to liaison with the US DOJ to facilitate full cooperation with their investigation.
Yesterday, the Department learned that the Federal Grand Jury issued three indictments as a result of the federal investigation. The three indicted were Officer Prince Hutchinson, Corporal Chad Jensen, and Sergeant Michael Neaderbaomer. All three remain on administrative leave.
The Pomona Police Department will continue to fully cooperate with the US DOJ, as it had since the beginning of their investigation. In order to not complicate or prejudice the federal investigation, the Pomona Police Department will defer all media inquires regarding the criminal investigation, indictment and future criminal proceedings to the US Department of Justice, which has the most up to date information available.
Paul J. Capraro
Chief of Police
