Former LA County Undersheriff Paul Tanaka, is scheduled to go on trial for his alleged role in obstructing a federal investigation. How did the second in command at the Sheriff's Department end up on the wrong side of the law? Prosecutors contend Tanaka took a lead role in trying to undermine a federal probe into abuse at Men's Central Jail. His former boss, Lee Baca, pleaded guilty February 10, 2016 to lying to FBI agents and federal prosecutors. Baca's surprise plea deal with the US Attorney's Office, doesn't require him to testify at Tanaka's trial. But Tanaka's attorneys have said they plan to call on him. Former Sheriff Baca is expected to assert his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination and refuse to testify if called to the stand. Warren Olney looks at the scandal that landed the leaders at the sheriff's department on the wrong side of the law.
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Sheriff Lee Baca appoints Paul Tanaka as undersheriff, 2011