LOS ANGELES — A Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) deputy was sentenced to two years of probation after pleading no contest to charges related to a 2018 hit-and-run crash that left another driver injured.
Orlando Sotomayor Flores, 42, was also ordered to:
- Complete a three-month DUI program
- Pay $5,000 in restitution to the victim
- Surrender his Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification, effectively ending his law enforcement career
Details of the 2018 Crash
The incident occurred on March 29, 2018, when Flores, while off-duty, rear-ended another vehicle while speeding on the eastbound I-10 Freeway just before midnight. The crash caused the victim’s car to roll multiple times before colliding with another vehicle.
Instead of stopping, Flores fled the scene and did not surrender to law enforcement until around 4 a.m. the following morning.
Charges and Sentencing
Flores was charged with:
- One felony count of reckless driving involving alcohol causing injury
- One misdemeanor count of hit-and-run causing injury
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office confirmed the charges and stated that the victim sustained injuries as a result of the crash.
On Monday, Flores was sentenced as part of a plea deal that included probation, the DUI program, and $5,000 restitution.
LASD Response
The LASD Sheriff’s Information Bureau stated that Flores has been relieved of duty pending the outcome of an internal administrative investigation. The department will review the case to determine any further disciplinary action.
Context of Recent Incidents
This sentencing comes just a week after a Los Angeles Police Department sergeant was arrested for a hit-and-run crash that killed a teenager in Orange County. The back-to-back incidents have raised concerns about accountability within law enforcement agencies.
While Flores avoided jail time, his sentencing reflects the seriousness of the charges and marks the end of his law enforcement career. The case highlights the importance of accountability, with LASD continuing its internal review to assess further disciplinary measures.
