Sanna v. Gascon

Los Angeles — Dhillon Law Group Inc., representing Deputy District Attorney Shea Sanna, has filed a complaint against the County of Los Angeles and District Attorney George Gascón, based upon DA Gascón’s extensive retaliation campaign against Sanna for reporting unlawful and unethical conduct to his supervisors and the public.

Since taking office in late 2020, DA Gascón has implemented a series of radical, pro-crime policies that far too often have forced prosecutors to decide between following orders and adhering to their legal and ethical obligations.

This litigation arises from Sanna’s efforts to uphold his legal and ethical duties despite significant opposition from DA Gascón and his administration. Sanna first attracted Gascón’s ire while working on the Tubbs case, when he sought to present critical evidence in the high-profile prosecution of a violent offender. Yet because the evidence highlighted the ineffectiveness of Gascón’s policies, Gascón prevented Sanna from introducing it, removed him from the case, and subjected him to sham investigations that resulted in unwarranted suspensions.

Since publicly opposing Gascón’s mishandling of the Tubbs case, Gascón has set his sights on Sanna, looking to manufacture any conceivable reason to make an example of his perceived disloyalty and ultimately, terminate him. Still, Sanna had steadfastly performed his duties and remains committed to serving the people of Los Angeles County, notwithstanding the unnecessary harassment and heightened scrutiny he must endure while doing so. In addition to the Tubbs case, Sanna has reported numerous other incidents of unlawful or unethical conduct by Gascón and his administration to his supervisors and also to the media, including significant violations of Marsy’s Law, California State Bar rules, and the American Bar Association standards.

The actions of DA Gascón and his administration constitute a blatant abuse of power aimed at silencing a prosecutor who refused to compromise on legal and ethical standards. Plainly, Gascón’s retaliation against Sanna is driven by a desire to shield his political interests and avoid public scrutiny of his policies.

Despite his exemplary performance record and unwavering commitment to justice, Sanna’s career has been derailed by Gascón’s vindictive actions. The lawsuit details numerous instances where Sanna faced adverse employment actions, including unwarranted suspensions, refusals to promote, demotions, and baseless investigations.

The case is poised to highlight critical issues surrounding the ethical obligations of prosecutors and their ability to report unlawful or unethical commands from their superiors. It underscores the importance of protecting whistleblowers within the judicial system and ensuring that justice is served without politically motivated interference.