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Possible breakthrough in LAPD corruption probe

Nino Durden, right, is expected to corroborate his former partner Rafael Perez's claims of a "culture of corruption" within the Los Angeles Police Department.

From Charles Feldman
CNN Los Angeles Bureau

LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- The former partner of the key informant in the Rampart Division LAPD corruption probe has entered into a plea agreement with federal and state investigators, CNN has learned.

The deal could be the breakthrough law enforcement authorities have been hoping for to jump start the otherwise stalled probe.

Nino Durden, former partner of Rafael Perez on the Los Angeles Police Department, is expected to provide information that backs up much of what Perez has told authorities, various sources have told CNN. This could be the "hole in the dam" said one official, because it might lead other officers "see the writing on the wall" and decide to give information to investigators.

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Durden was charged with attempted murder, the most serious charge resulting from the probe so far.

Several sources tell CNN that until now former officer Perez, whose arrest on drug charges started the corruption scandal in the troubled former anti-drug and anti-gang division known as CRASH, was the key witness telling about alleged police abuses that include everything from planting evidence to shooting unarmed innocent suspects.

Durden, sources say, is hoped to add a significant other voice to Perez's testimony and bolster his contention that a culture of corruption was spawned within the Los Angeles Police Department. A joint news conference involving the U.S. Attorney's office, FBI, and Los Angeles County District Attorney's office is expected Friday afternoon.

Perez's revelations about alleged misconduct has thus far led to state charges against eight officers, including Durden. The scandal has led to more than 100 criminal convictions being overturned and the city of Los Angeles signing a consent decree with the U.S. Justice Department requiring federal oversight of the police department's management and training policies.

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The Los Angeles Police Department
LAPD.com

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