LA Port Police Chief indicted on corruption charges

The Port of Los Angeles chief of police, Ronald Jerome Boyd, has been indicted on federal corruption charges that accuse him of hiding his business links to a software developer he was helping win a contract at the port.

According to the 16 page indictment, he faces charges of wire fraud, making false statements to federal agents and tax evasion.

"The charging document alleges that Boyd, who once worked as the valet to singer Ray Charles, defrauded the city 'by means of bribery and kickbacks' and provided confidential information about the port to the software vendor," reports the Los Angeles Times. The newspaper says that the accusations "revolve around a video messaging application called PortWatch, which was designed to help port workers, city officials and San Pedro residents share information about the harbor and alert authorities to possible criminal activity."

Following the indictment, Gene Seroka, Executive Director, Port of Los Angeles issued this statement:

"In light of Thursday's announcement by the U.S. Attorney's Office, Los Angeles Port Police Chief Ronald Boyd is being put on administrative leave until further notice. Deputy Chief of Port Police Thomas Gazsi will assume Boyd's responsibilities. The City and Port of Los Angeles will fully cooperate in the investigation of this matter."