3 LA County Probation Officers Charged with Altering Medical Records

Alleged misconduct undermined staffing at juvenile detention facilities during crisis

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:37pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a probation officer's badge, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.Alleged misconduct by probation officers exposes integrity issues within the LA County Probation Department.Los Angeles Today

Three Los Angeles County probation officers have been charged with misdemeanors for allegedly altering medical records to limit their duties at juvenile detention facilities. Prosecutors say the officers falsified notes to avoid strenuous work, even as the county struggled with a staffing crisis that forced the closure of juvenile halls.

Why it matters

The charges highlight issues of accountability and integrity within the LA County Probation Department, which has faced an unprecedented staffing shortage in recent years. The alleged misconduct by these officers undermined the department's ability to adequately staff and operate its juvenile detention facilities, putting additional strain on remaining officers.

The details

According to the District Attorney's Office, officer Christopher Leho submitted three fraudulent medical notes restricting him to desk work, while officers Octavia Davis and Diane Bullock Smith are accused of altering legitimate medical notes to extend their light-duty assignments. Investigators determined the notes were not authorized by the medical professionals listed on them.

  • In August 2023, December 2023 and May 2024, Leho allegedly submitted the fraudulent medical notes.
  • Davis received a legitimate 2-week medical note in 2023, but then allegedly altered it to extend the duration by 6 months.
  • Smith is accused of turning an 8-day medical note into a 2-year restriction.

The players

Christopher Leho

A 54-year-old probation officer from Rancho Cucamonga who is charged with 3 misdemeanor counts of altering medical records.

Octavia Davis

A 55-year-old probation officer from San Bernardino who is charged with 1 misdemeanor count of altering medical records.

Diane Bullock Smith

A 61-year-old probation officer from Palmdale who is charged with 1 misdemeanor count of altering medical records.

Nathan Hochman

The Los Angeles County District Attorney who is prosecuting the case.

Guillermo Viera Rosa

The Chief Probation Officer of the Los Angeles County Probation Department.

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What they’re saying

“Being a probation officer is a tough job, but you don't get to cheat your way out of it. Altering medical records to avoid duty is a calculated abuse of the system, a disservice to the youth in their care, and an unfair burden on their coworkers.”

— Nathan Hochman, Los Angeles County District Attorney

“Accountability is fundamental to our mission and to maintaining public trust. These allegations are serious, and we will not tolerate staff misconduct that undermines the integrity of our department. This conduct is an affront to the many honorable and dedicated probation officers who endure hardship and show up every day to serve.”

— Guillermo Viera Rosa, Chief Probation Officer, Los Angeles County Probation Department

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the accused officers to remain out on bail during the proceedings.

The takeaway

This case highlights the critical need for accountability and integrity within the Los Angeles County Probation Department, which has faced a severe staffing crisis in recent years. The alleged misconduct by these officers undermined the department's ability to adequately staff and operate its juvenile detention facilities, putting additional strain on remaining officers.