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Board recommends multiple certification actions after hearings on DUI and bias allegations; several cases move to commission
Summary
Following four case presentations, the Peace Officers Standing Accountability Advisory Board voted on certification actions involving five officers. The board recommended revocation in several cases, approved a stayed revocation with conditions in one DUI matter and advanced other bias and dishonesty matters to the commission for final action.
At its Jan. 16 hearing the Peace Officers Standing Accountability Advisory Board heard four case presentations from POST professional conduct consultants and legal staff and took votes on multiple officer-certification matters.
Tommy Thompson (POST case 240-0920), formerly with the Los Angeles Police Department: POST's division presented evidence that Thompson drove under the influence of alcohol and a prescription drug on two occasions in March 2023 while on duty. The division recommended revocation of Thompson’s POST certificate. After public comment from Thompson and deliberation, the board voted to recommend revocation. Motion text (as recorded): "Recommend that Mr. Thompson's certification be revoked." Mover: Board member Doyle; Second: Board member Laura. Vote tally reported to the board: 7 yes, 0 no, 1 abstention. Outcome: recommendation to the Commission to revoke Thompson's POST certificate.
Gabriel Gaxiola (POST case 230-2971), Los Angeles Police Department sergeant: The division presented an administrative record showing a May 13, 2022 arrest with a blood-alcohol concentration in excess of the legal limit (lab result 0.155% five hours after collection; agency estimate higher near the time of driving) and a prior 2016 alcohol-related conviction. The division recommended revocation. After discussion and consideration of a department rehabilitation agreement and recommended settlement language, the board voted to recommend a stayed revocation with an alternative stipulated settlement. Motion text (as recorded): "Revocation stayed contingent on a stipulated settlement requiring a probationary rehabilitation period (10 years)." Mover: not specified in the transcript; Second: not specified. Vote tally reported in the transcript: 6 yes, 1 no. Outcome: recommendation to the Commission that the officer’s certification be revoked but stayed and replaced by a stipulated settlement/probationary arrangement for a period identified by the board.
Joshua Satterfield (POST case 235109), Torrance Police Department: POST presented copies of WhatsApp and text messages in which Satterfield used racist, homophobic and demeaning language about community members and described violent outcomes. The division concluded a clear-and-convincing standard was met for serious misconduct based on demonstrating bias. After public comment from families’ advocates and the officer’s counsel, the board voted unanimously in favor of the division’s recommendation. Motion text (as recorded): "Move to revoke certification." Mover: not specified in the transcript. Vote tally: unanimous (vote recorded as unanimous). Outcome: recommendation to the Commission to revoke Satterfield’s POST certificate.
Blake Williams (POST case 2305781), Torrance Police Department: POST presented forensic-extracted group-chat messages (the “Boys” WhatsApp group) and identified multiple messages that referenced racist caricature images, derogatory language and a historical lynching image. The department concluded those messages warranted termination, and POST recommended revocation. The board voted to advance the matter to the Commission (motion recorded as "to certify" the case for commission review). The roll call recorded 7 yes votes and 1 recusal. Outcome: board advanced the matter to the Commission for final action.
Rogelio Robledo (POST case 230-9558), Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department: POST’s presentation alleged repeated dishonesty by deputy Robledo when questioned about a January 2020 traffic stop and an allegation of stolen poker chips. The division recommended revocation. Board members asked for clarifications on timelines, recorded dispatch contacts and the administrative/DA investigation schedule; the board then voted on a motion to recommend decertification. Motion text (as recorded): "Recommend revocation of certification." Mover: not specified; Second: not specified. Vote tally reported in the transcript: 7 yes, 1 no. Outcome: recommendation to the Commission to revoke certification.
Discussion vs. decision: The board distinguished the division’s preliminary finding stage (what POST asserted could be proved at an evidentiary hearing) from final commission determinations. POST presenters repeatedly reminded the board that these initial hearings do not constitute final findings of guilt and that administrative evidentiary hearings before an administrative law judge or the commission may produce different outcomes.
Why it matters: The board’s recommendations will be delivered to the POST Commission, which has final authority to revoke, stay, or impose other discipline on certificates. Several of the cases involve on-duty DUI, bias allegations tied to group-chat messaging, and alleged dishonesty during internal investigations — all central issues for public trust in law enforcement.
Next steps: The board’s recommendations will be forwarded to the Commission for final action; for matters where the board recommended stayed revocations or stipulated settlement language, staff noted the Commission and the employing agency may still take separate actions.
