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Ex-lover of former LAPD cop pleads guilty to lying to FBI

Flores reached a plea agreement after recanting her story during a polygraph test

LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- The ex-lover of a disgraced former Los Angeles police officer pleade guilty Thursday to making false statements to federal authorities, concocting a story that Rafael Perez and his partner took part in three murders.

U.S. District Court Judge A. Howard Matz accepted a plea agreement between Sonya Flores, 24, and prosecutors in exchange for her cooperation with a federal investigation into alleged police corruption.

Flores admitted she lied when she said that Perez, the key witness in the Los Angeles Police corruption case, and his partner David Mack took part in three homicides, burying the bodies in Tijuana, Mexico. A search for the alleged missing bodies by U.S. and Mexican authorities came up empty.

VIDEO LAPD convictions could lead to more trials, CNN's Charles Feldman reports (November 17) Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media)   WEB EXCLUSIVE On the scene in LAPD corruption trial  CASE FILE LAPD Scandal  ALSO FindLaw Forum: LAPD scandal a stark example of the failure of police reform Judge rules testimony concerning alleged Perez murders is irrelevant (Oct. 20)

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Flores reached a plea agreement after recanting her story during an FBI polygraph examination last month. She faces a recommended 16-month prison term and possible $350,000 restitution fine when she is sentenced February 26.

Both Perez and Mack -- a convicted bank robber -- have repeatedly denied Flores' allegations.

Flores recanted her story claiming she was bent on revenge against her former lover.

"I have to stand up to my responsibility and if I have to go to prison, I'll go to prison," said Flores. "Being truthful and honest is going to help more then trying to hurt somebody being dishonest."

As part of her plea agreement, sources said, Flores will submit to two more polygraph tests with FBI agents who want to know if anyone persuaded her to lie, perhaps in an effort to sabotage the first of the criminal trials stemming from the Rampart corruption probe.

Perez, who is cooperating with authorities in exchange for a plea agreement after stealing cocaine from a police evidence locker, has admitted participating in or witnessing dozens of crimes ranging from planting guns and drugs on gang members to shooting unarmed civilians. Perez has immunity for any crimes he committed except murder, said his attorney, Winston Kevin McKesson.

Law enforcement officials became suspicious because Flores' allegations occurred during the start of the first trial stemming from the police corruption scandal. Prosecutors decided against calling Perez, their key witness, because of his decision to invoke his Fifth Amendment right against self incrimination if questioned about the murder accusations, according to McKesson.

Sgts. Edward Ortiz and Brian Liddy and Officer Michael Buchanan were convicted of conspiracy and perjury charges November 15. A fourth officer was acquitted on separate charges.

Federal authorities are investigating possible civil rights violations and criminal charges against several officers at the LAPD Rampart Division's anti-gang unit, according to assistant U.S. attorney Mary Carter Andrues. State prosecutors are continuing their investigation into alleged corruption.

Since the corruption scandal emerged in September 1999, more than 100 criminal convictions have been overturned. At least 70 officers are under investigation.

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Prosecutor says cops lost 'moral compass' as closing arguments begin in LAPD trial
November 7, 2000
LAPD sergeant denies wrongdoing in corruption case
November 4, 2000
Defense in Los Angeles police corruption trial to finish Friday
November 3, 2000
Prosecution rests in LAPD corruption trial
October 30, 2000
LAPD officers testify they didn't see gang member with gun
October 26, 2000
Testimony in LAPD corruption trial centers on alleged gun planting
October 25, 2000
Indictments issued for two former LAPD officers
October 23, 2000
Witness testifies truck never hit LAPD officers
October 23, 2000
Judge rules testimony concerning alleged Perez murders is irrelevant
October 20, 2000

Department of Justice proposed consent decree
City of Los Angeles notes on proposed plan
Independent Analysis of the Los Angeles Police Department's Board of Inquiry Report on the Rampart Scandal

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