David Mack (police officer)

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David Mack

LAPD Photo of David Mack
Born 1960
Compton, California
Education University of Oregon
Occupation Police officer

David Mack (born 1960) is one of the central figures in the LAPD Rampart police corruption scandal. Mack was arrested for masterminding the November 6, 1997 robbery of $722,000 from a South Central Los Angeles branch of Bank of America. He was sentenced to 14 years and three months in federal prison.[1] Mack has never revealed the whereabouts of the money.

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[edit] Early life

David Mack grew up in the same Compton neighborhood as Suge Knight.[2] A remarkable athlete, Mack won a scholarship to the University of Oregon, where he ran track and eventually made the United States national team running the eight hundred metres.[3][2] Mack is the third fastest American in history at 800 meters with a personal best of 1:43.35. [4] Mack joined the LAPD in 1988. He was married with two kids. Before the scandal Mack held the rank of Senior Officer (two chevrons above a star).

[edit] Gang membership and alleged role in the murder of Notorious B.I.G.

Main article: Rampart Scandal

Mack is a member of the Bloods, a gang with ties to Death Row Records. Mack was hired as an off-duty body guard for Death Row Records by Death Row Founder Marion "Suge" Knight, also a Blood. Investigating LAPD detective Brian Tyndall believes David Mack was involved in the conspiracy to kill rapper Notorious B.I.G..[5] Mack was named in the April 16, 2007 wrongful death lawsuit filed by the rapper's family against the city of Los Angeles.[6]

[edit] Prison sentence

Mack has refused to cooperate with police, and bragged to fellow prisoners that his $700,000 bank score is invested in such a way that it will double by the time he concludes his 14 year sentence.[2] While in prison, Mack has severed his ties with police and become an avowed member of the Bloods street gang. Mack's jailers report he uses a red toothbrush, wears red socks, and as much red as can be attained in a federal prison. According to former LA Police Chief Bernard Parks, "It appears he has completely divested himself of all relationships of his life as a police officer. He is basically a gang member. He has taken on the role of being a gang member in jail."[2] Mack apparently had a gang-related confrontation while in prison that resulted in his being stabbed.[7]

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ PBS.org Timeline of Rampart Scandal
  2. ^ a b c d EdwardLawson.com
  3. ^ Odeo.com
  4. ^ Track and Field News: Lists: All-Time: U.S.: Men
  5. ^ PBS.org on Rampart Coverup
  6. ^ Wrongful death lawsuit
  7. ^ PBS Parks Intervew
Rampart Scandal
Notable Accused Officers Victims Coverup and Investigation Gang Involvement Other elements