Feds Probe Civil Rights Violations In Bell
BELL (CBS/AP) — Already targeted in a salary scandal that has spurred outrage among its residents, the city of Bell now faces an investigation by the U.S. Justice Department for alleged civil rights violations.
A report from the Los Angeles Times cited anonymous law enforcement officials
who said the Justice Department was investigating complaints of racial profiling, including charges that police targeted Hispanic drivers. After being illegally ticketed and towed, the drivers would then allegedly be charged exorbitant fees to get their cars back.
The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the
investigation is ongoing, says aggressive code enforcement was used
to bolster revenues in Bell so city leaders could keep their high
salaries.
The Times described complaints about the high cost of
parking tickets, city permits, business licenses and real estate
property inspections.
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