Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Sb2 Cases topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
POST outcomes: two revocations and one suspension finalized after SB 2 reviews
Summary
At the November meeting POST voted to revoke the certifications of two officers (Walden and Michael Kim) and imposed a 30-day suspension for Deputy Armando Montalvo; a stipulated settlement for Gabriel Mercado Gaxiola was also approved with terms imposed.
The Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training took action on multiple SB 2 matters after presentations by the Peace Officer Standards Accountability Division and the POST advisory board recommendations:
- Luke (Baxter) Walden (Los Angeles Police Department) — POST presented supplemental LAPD IA materials and Board of Rights transcripts on an allegation that Walden purchased an item marketed as a "fuel filter" that LAPD and federal evidence showed to be an illegal firearm silencer; the advisory board unanimously recommended revocation after reviewing the supplemental record. The commission voted to revoke Walden's POST certification (roll call showed the motion carried unanimously; 15–0).
- Michael Kim (San Francisco Sheriff's Office) — The division presented evidence that Kim submitted a declaration to federal court containing materially false statements and later told FBI agents that he had lied; Kim pleaded guilty to contempt for the false declaration. The advisory board unanimously recommended revocation and the commission voted to decertify Michael Kim (motion carried unanimously).
- Armando Montalvo (Orange County Sheriff's Department) — The division reported an administrative finding that Montalvo used unreasonable force during an intake-center incident on March 16, 2024 (alleged ~28 punches and striking the inmate’s head against concrete), and Orange County sustained a finding and imposed a 40-hour suspension. The advisory board voted 6–1 to recommend revocation; after closed-session deliberations the commission imposed a 30-day suspension of POST certification (motion carried unanimously at roll call).
- Gabriel Mercado Gaxiola (POST2302971) — The commission previously voted to revoke with a stay pending a stipulated settlement. Counsel presented standard settlement terms (testing, sobriety/monitoring, program completion); the commission voted to impose the settlement terms (roll call reflected one 'No' vote by Commissioner Ewell).
Why it matters: These outcomes show POST's application of SB 2 mechanisms to discipline and decertify officers for alleged serious misconduct and for actions that POST determines undermine public trust (including dishonesty and criminal conduct). The decisions will remove or limit the ability of affected individuals to be employed as peace officers in California unless reinstated through legal channels.
What’s next: POST will publish final orders and monitoring terms as required; affected officers may seek administrative or legal remedies if available.
