COPS NAB LAPD: $62,500 SNITCHES
Same source who revealed the $22k amount paid for Octo-Mom 8 Month prego-belly pic and $165k amount paid to Thomas Riccio in 2007 for hidden tape of OJ break-in, reveals price tag on battered Rihanna pic. LAPD Police Chief Bill Bratton was on a personal mission to find the LAPD officer who sold the photo to TMZ and bring that individual to justice. Two Los Angeles police officers have now been placed on paid leave as part of an ongoing investigation.
Police officers, Rebecca M. Reyes, a nine-year veteran and Blanca Lopez, a rookie officer and housemate of Reyes have been placed on paid leave as part of an ongoing investigation. It is reported that TMZ head Harvey Levin who is openly gay, met and developed a friendship with the two accused officers through a gay/lesbian event. Levin has a network of connections that has allowed him to build some personal confidential relationships inside both police agencies.
LAPD was assisted from various insiders. Last May it was reported by TheMediaBuffet that insider TMZ turncoats spilled the numbers Levin’s minions are believed to have shelled out for pix taken of Rihanna immediately after the alleged Chris Brown attack. The source of the photo leak, a law enforcement insider close to the investigation, reportedly raked in $62.5k, double the salary of the person suspected of leaking the pic. Sources state TMZ pays a relative or friend of the snitch within 24 hours of receipt of a photo to cover their tracks. TheMediaBuffet is also reporting that neighbors of the accused officers suspected something last March when the officers were seen driving a new Lexus which seemed odd.
LAPD also had some help from the advocacy rights group Stoparazzi. Stoparazzi put consistent pressure on the LAPD on the common tactics of hiding source and payment information from prying eyes and dodging the “for profit” part of the law that makes the selling of information illegal. “This was a unprecedented investigation. To effectively carry out an investigation when everyone is hiding behind the first amendment right and no one has to give straight answers is tough,” says Terry Ahern, Stoparazzi President. “Although the first amendment protects Levin and TMZ, insider law enforcement sources are to be apprehensive about ratting to the tabloids for money after this,” says Ahern. Which is why Ahern and his firm backs Rihannaslaw.com. “If we take away the demand by making it illegal to purchase stolen property whether it is photos, medical info or confidential information, the financial temptation to break the law is negated. A victim of crime should never have their name let alone their photo slpashed on every computer screen across the country, there is not excuse. TMZ should be prosecuted for their role,” says Ahern.
The most unfortunate aspect of the entire incident is not only the total disrespect for the victim, Rihanna, but the legal ramifications related to jury pool pollution the public revelation of this photo obviously has on the possible upcoming criminal case against alleged attacker, Chris Brown. “Brown, even if guilty, could walk free because of the unauthorized release of this photo,” says an LAPD source. Insiders say LAPD brass is “furious, subpoenas have already gone out.” Bratton resents how a snitch could possibly jeopardize his department’s ability to put away criminals. Chief Bratton was dedicated to seeing justive and in the end looks like he’ll get it before leave office in October.
The fallout for TMZ has begun as advertisers are pulling back from their relationships with TMZ due to the controversy. Stay tuned Buffet-Goers, there is a whole lot more to be served up about this one.
