Javier Ovando

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Javier Ovando became a central figure in the LAPD Rampart Scandal when he was shot and framed by corrupt Rampart officers Rafael Pérez and Nino Durden. Ovando was an illegal immigrant and a member of the powerful 18th Street Gang at the time. He is the recipient of the largest police misconduct settlement in Los Angeles history.^[1]

Officers Durden and Pérez entered 19-year old Ovando's apartment on 12 October 1996, and shot him, leaving him paralyzed.^[2][3] According to their testimony later, they planted a gun on him and reported that the unarmed teenager had fired on them first. Ovando, paralyzed from the waist down, was sentenced to 23 years in prison based on the officers' testimony.^[1]

[edit] Release from prison

On 16 September 1999, Ovando was released from prison after Perez recanted his earlier testimony. The District Attorney's office filed a writ of habeas corpus overturning Ovando's conviction. Ovando had served two-and-a-half years behind bars. ^[1]

[edit] Record settlement

On 21 November 2000, Ovando received a $15 million settlement, the largest police misconduct settlement in Los Angeles history. Four months after his settlement, Ovando was arrested and charged in Nevada for possession and trafficking of drugs. A plea of not guilty was entered.^[1]

[edit] Notes