VC Sheriff Department sex crime investigator’s 1999 dismissal upheld

Adlof was seeking his job back, lost wages and legal costs.The case first came to light in March 1998 when District Attorney Michael Bradbury issued an unprecedented warning to defense attorneys that Adlof had inaccurately reported information from witnesses in at least two cases, including failing to report details that could have exonerated the suspects. Adlof was put on desk duty and paid leave for about 21 months while a joint internal investigation was launched; he was ultimately fired by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department in December 1999 on the grounds of incompetency, dishonesty, discourteous treatment of the public and acts incompatible with service as a law enforcement officer, according to the report. Adlof was also fired for “inexcusable neglect of duty,” by suppressing evidence that would have exonerated two suspects while the actual sex criminals remained at large.County prosecutors had several cases Adlof had investigated dismissed; the county has already paid $280,000 to settle two false arrest lawsuits stemming from Adlof’s actions. More civil suits are still pending.