Prosecutors investigating disability claim by ex-police chief in troubled S. Calif. city

Former police chief investigated in S. Calif. city

LOS ANGELES — Prosecutors are investigating disability claims by the former police chief of the scandal-plagued city of Bell that could result in millions of dollars in tax-free pension money.

The Los Angeles Times reported Friday that the district attorney’s office is trying to determine if Randy Adams broke the law by cutting a deal with Bell that guaranteed him a disability retirement.

If the state approves the application, Adams would have to pay taxes on only half his potential $400,000 annual pension.

His attorney, Mark Pachowicz, has said Adams had been disabled by previous injuries when he became Bell’s police chief last year.

Adams’ salary was among the most scrutinized in a pay scandal that led to the arrests of eight current and former Bell officials. Adams was not arrested.

Information from: Los Angeles Times, www.latimes.com