Lt. Tipped Off Massage Parlor Raids In Exchange For Sex: DA

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – A retired Los Angeles County sheriff's lieutenant has been charged with obstructing justice for allegedly tipping off a massage parlor employee about upcoming law enforcement raids in exchange for sexual favors or gifts, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office announced.

David Smith, 59, was charged with one felony count of conspiracy to obstruct justice and one misdemeanor count of obstruction of justice. Smith said he would conduct lawful inspections at West Hollywood massage parlors, however, he's accused of paying for sex at two of the locations between 2016 and 2017, according to the criminal complaint. He also allegedly received gifts from a massage parlor employee.

In return of the gifts, Smith is accused of checking to see whether law enforcement planned on raiding the employee's location, the press release said. On one occasion, Smith allegedly told the employee there may be law enforcement officers near the business and told her she might want to close for the evening, according to the complaint.

If convicted as charged, Smith faces a possible maximum sentence of three years in state prison or jail. The case remains under investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

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