Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón is scheduled to testify in a deposition next month as part of an ongoing lawsuit filed by veteran prosecutor John Lewin. The lawsuit alleges that Lewin was wrongfully demoted for speaking out against Gascón’s sentencing directives.
Lewin claims he was transferred from his prestigious role in the Cold Case Unit of the Major Crimes Division to a less significant position in the Inglewood courthouse, following his vocal criticisms of Gascón’s policies. The lawsuit, filed in February 2023, highlights Lewin’s concerns over the directives Gascón implemented shortly after taking office in December 2020.
In previous court filings, Lewin’s legal team accused Gascón of delaying his deposition. However, on Sept. 23, both parties informed Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Steve Cochran that the issue had been resolved. Gascón is now set to be deposed on Oct. 9, with a potential second deposition on Oct. 31.
Lewin’s attorneys argue that Gascón’s personal knowledge of the situation is critical to the case, as it pertains to the prosecutor’s retaliatory transfer. They claim Gascón was fully aware of Lewin’s objections and was directly involved in the decision to demote him.
The lawsuit is one of several challenges Gascón has faced from within his office, including an unfair labor practice charge filed earlier this year by the LA County Prosecutors’ Union.
