Former Officer Sentenced for Cocaine Distribution

John Abel Baca, a former officer of the Inglewood Police Department, has been sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for stealing cocaine from the police department's drug lockup and reselling it. Baca, who served for 21 years, was found guilty of distributing cocaine on two occasions in 2021 and was ordered to pay a $40,000 fine. He was recorded offering to sell narcotics, including heroin, and admitted to stealing drugs and cash during his work with the drug task force. The investigation was a collaborative effort between federal authorities and the Inglewood Police Department, which aided the prosecution. U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada condemned Baca's actions as a severe abuse of his position as a law enforcement officer. The case highlights the importance of accountability within police ranks.