Santa Clarita Resident and Former VIP Prosecutor Jon Hatami Announces Run for Los Angeles District Attorney
Hatami Vows to Prioritize Public Safety and Restore Civility to the District Attorney's Office, Challenging Incumbent George Gascon's Controversial Policies.
Jon Hatami, a Santa Clarita resident and former prosecutor in the VIP unit, has announced his candidacy for Los Angeles County District Attorney. Hatami has been a vocal critic of the current District Attorney, George Gascon, particularly regarding his decision to disband the Vertical Impact Program and Prosecution (VIP) unit, which handled cases of physical and sexual child abuse, adult sexual assaults, domestic violence, hate crimes, elder abuse, internet crimes against children, and domestic violence and child murders.
Hatami has spoken out against Gascon's decision to eliminate gun and gang enhancements, which he believes puts the safety of citizens at risk. The recent tragic deaths of Cameron Stokes and Brian Chevez in the Newhall shooting have brought attention to Gascon's policies, particularly the elimination of gun and gang enhancements.
Hatami is a well-known figure in Santa Clarita, having run for City Council in 2012. He has also been an advocate for victims' rights and has worked tirelessly to bring justice to those who have been victimized by violent crime.
Jon Hatami's experience in prosecuting high-profile cases of child abuse, including those of Gabriel Fernandez and Anthony Avalos, make him a strong candidate for the position of Los Angeles County district attorney. He has shown a commitment to holding those responsible for child abuse accountable for their actions and has been a vocal critic of the failures in the child protection system. If elected, he would bring a wealth of experience and a dedication to justice to the position, and his track record of success in prosecuting high-profile cases would serve him well in holding criminals accountable and protecting the most vulnerable members of society.
Hatami's candidacy comes after a recall effort against Gascon, led by a coalition of victims' rights advocates, community leaders, and law enforcement officials. The recall effort cites Gascon's failures in protecting victims and his pro-criminal policies as reasons for the recall. The recall was rejected under suspicious circumstances further eroding the publics trust in Los Angeles Counties governance.
Gascon's policies have been criticized by former District Attorney Steve Cooley, who served from 2000 to 2012, for being too soft on crime. Critics argue that Gascon's approach to criminal justice reform is misguided and puts public safety at risk.
As the election approaches, Hatami is likely to face a crowded field of challengers, including current and former prosecutors. However, Hatami's strong record as a prosecutor and his commitment to victims' rights may set him apart from his opponents.