A high-profile whistleblower retaliation lawsuit in Los Angeles has taken a new turn as a prominent prosecutor, John Lewin, is requesting a judge to compel District Attorney George Gascon to sit for a deposition under oath. Lewin, known for prosecuting cases like that of Robert Durst, alleges that he was demoted after questioning the legality of Gascon's policies.
Lewin's lawyers claim that Gascon failed to appear for previously scheduled depositions, leading to the motion to compel. If granted, this would be the first time Gascon is deposed under oath in the numerous lawsuits filed against him by subordinates.
The retaliation lawsuit stems from Lewin's demotion following his objections to Gascon's directives issued after taking office in 2020. Lewin raised concerns about the legality of these directives, which a judge later ruled against, issuing an injunction.
Despite the challenges he has faced since his demotion, Lewin remains dedicated to serving the citizens of Los Angeles County. Described as one of the most accomplished prosecutors in the city, Lewin recently returned from leave to prosecute a cold case murder and rape suspect.
Another prosecutor, John McKinney, was also demoted from the Major Crimes Division after disagreeing with Gascon's policies. Gascon's office has faced at least 17 retaliation lawsuits by the time one of the prosecutors, Deputy District Attorney Shawn Randolph, won her case in 2023.
The ongoing legal battle highlights the tensions within the Los Angeles District Attorney's office and the challenges faced by prosecutors who speak out against their superiors. The hearing on Lewin's motion is scheduled for September, shedding light on the complexities of the case and the broader implications for the legal community in Los Angeles.
