Former L.A. Sheriff Lee Baca Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison

Ex-Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca will serve three years in federal prison following his conviction in March for obstruction of justice, conspiracy and lying, a judge ruled Friday.

Baca, 74, had faced up to 20 years in prison for his part in hiding an informant from FBI agents investigating the abuse of inmates in the county jails.

In sentencing the former sheriff, U.S. District Judge Percy Anderson told Baca: "There comes a time when you have to accept responsibility."

Anderson said Baca was more interested in "burnishing image" and getting re-elected than stopping jail inmate abuses.

The judge said the sentence sent a strong message to elected officials, law enforcement and the public: “No person no matter how powerful ... is above the law.”

Anderson said he considered Baca's age and health, but also that Baca was “using his office to further his own agenda.” If not for the former sheriff's health condition and "good acts," the judge said he would have handed him a five-year prison sentence.

Federal prosecutors had recommended two years in prison based on Baca's age and health. Prosecutors had said Baca "abused the great power the citizens of Los Angeles County had given him."

Baca, who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, sought a sentence of community service and home confinement. His lawyer said his client shouldn’t be subjected to the “harsh cruelty of the prison system not designed to address his medical condition.”

Baca's defense attorney revealed during his sentencing that Baca is in the third stage of Alzheimer's.

Baca was expected to make a final plea to the judge before sentencing, but after whispering with his attorney when the time came, he did not speak.

The conviction and sentencing caps a long-running corruption probe into the county sheriff's department, the largest in the country.

Baca served as sheriff for 15 years. County voters re-elected him multiple times.