Los Angeles DA reduces charges against LAPD officer who taped colleagues making racist remarks

The Los Angeles district attorney has dropped felony charges against a police officer who secretly recorded colleagues making racist remarks, following criticism that the response was too severe and could discourage whistleblowers. Daniel Flores, an LAPD officer, was initially charged with 16 felonies in July for sharing recordings that captured officers in the LAPD’s recruitment division making racist and sexist comments. These recordings had been reported to the LAPD’s internal affairs in early 2025.

The charges prompted backlash, including from Flores' attorney, who argued that the prosecution was unjust as it discouraged exposing wrongdoing. District Attorney Nathan Hochman initially faced significant criticism for the severity of the charges, which could have resulted in up to 13 years in prison. However, Hochman announced on Wednesday that all 16 charges would be reduced to misdemeanors.

This decision would allow Flores to participate in a diversion program, avoiding jail time if he refrains from any further legal infractions for a year.

Hochman maintained that he still believed Flores had violated the law, but stated that the charges were intended to send a "wrong message" to potential whistleblowers and the public. The recordings Flores shared revealed a range of offensive comments, including racist tropes, sexist remarks, and derogatory jokes about Latino baseball players and Black people.

Despite acknowledging the officers' remarks were "hate speech," Hochman stated there was no evidence they constituted a hate crime, preventing criminal prosecution of those who made the comments.

Hochman emphasized his hope that the decision would encourage officers to work with the district attorney’s office to gather evidence through legal channels. Flores was previously found guilty in an internal LAPD investigation and given a 22-day suspension without pay, though it is unclear if he served the suspension.