Palm Springs Police Chief Resigns Over Remarks Made During Sting Targeting Gay Men
Palm Springs Police Chief David Dominguez resigned today over remarks he made during a sting operation targeting gay men in the city’s Warm Sands neighborhood in 2009, the Southwest Riverside News Network reports.
Dominguez came under fire after a June 2009 operation in the Warm Sands neighborhood. The sting, which netted 19 arrests, was done in response to what police said were complaints about drug use, public sex and prostitution in Warm Sands. However, it drew complaints that police were targeting gay men unfairly.
During a pretrial hearing, one defendant said a police officer could be heard using a gay slur on a video recording in an undercover vehicle. An attorney for some of those arrested said Dominguez was in that particular car.
The lawyer lodged a complaint, alleging Dominguez disparaged the arrestees to his officers.
“What a bunch of filthy mother (expletive),” Dominguez allegedly said. “You guys should get paid extra for this.”
As Steve reported last week, “According to court documents, Dominguez used the phrase ‘filthy motherf**kers’ while another officer involved in the sting was overheard using the slur ‘c**ksuckers.’”
Dominguez also apologized last week, but issued this statement today: ““After careful consideration of the events surrounding the Warm Sands undercover operation, I believe this decision is in the best interest of my family, the city and the Police Department.”