Report: Murrieta PD Sgt. Baca May Have Helped Friend Get Job With LA Sheriff

The rookie deputy, John W. Pace, is the only new recruit the department has hired since 2009, the newspaper reported. Others hired have been lateral moves from other police or sheriff's departments.

David Baca told The Times that Pace called him "looking for help" in becoming a cop. The sergeant said he agreed to put in a good word with his father.

A human resources official with the L.A. Sheriff's Department told the newspaper that Pace, 26, was chosen out of thousands of applicants.

Sheriff Baca imposed a hiring freeze of new recruits in March 2010, the newspaper reported. Pace began working in civilian, administrative duties for the department in February, the report stated.

The Times interviewed the sheriff, during which he confirmed he spoke with Pace but said he did not have any involvement in his hiring.