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Montebello says California Post Commission closed investigation into Chief Luis Lopez
Summary
The city manager read a statement saying the California Post Commission will close its case without action after the city provided documents it says exonerate Chief Luis Lopez; the city said it will investigate unauthorized releases of confidential documents.
The City of Montebello on Tuesday announced that the California Post Commission informed the city it would close its case without taking further action against Police Chief Luis Lopez after reviewing documents the city provided, City Manager Albertson told the Montebello City Council.
In a prepared statement read at the meeting, the city manager said Montebello supplied the commission with a complete investigation that “fully and completely exonerated” Chief Lopez of what the city described as “false allegations.” The manager said the allegations had been reported to the commission despite prior legal advice from the city’s labor counsel, the law firm Liber Cassidy Whitmer, which the city said determined the claims did not meet reporting criteria.
“It is very concerning that personnel went against the advice of their legal counsel and reported inaccurate information to the California Post Commission,” the city manager said in the statement. The manager added that personnel actions taken without approval of the city manager or city attorney violated city personnel policies and have exposed the city and taxpayers to potential litigation and expense.
The city statement said an incomplete investigation focusing on false claims was released on social media and did not reflect the city’s position. The manager said the city would investigate any unauthorized release of confidential documents and report suspected criminal conduct to appropriate authorities, including law enforcement.
Councilmembers and members of the public raised the matter in public comment; speakers urged transparency and questioned city leadership. James Santana of Montebello United said residents are “angry” and urged accountability. Will Severo referenced a community website raising funds to challenge recent council appointments.
The council did not take a separate disciplinary action on the matter during the meeting; the manager’s statement described the city’s next steps as investigating unauthorized disclosures and pursuing remedies if criminal conduct is suspected.
