Former Downey police officer charged with witness tampering

DOWNEY – A former detective with the Downey Police Department was charged Tuesday with one felony count of witness tampering.

Eduardo Castro is scheduled to be arraigned Aug. 11 at the Foltz Criminal Justice Center.

Details of the alleged witness tampering were not released. In a news release, however, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon said his office has “a duty to hold accountable anyone who tries to illegally influence the judicial process for their own benefit or the benefit of others.”  

“It is especially troubling when a police officer is charged with crimes that threaten the integrity of our legal system,” Gascon said.

Castro was hired as a Downey police officer on June 2, 2008. His final day of employment was June 29, 2022.

It’s not clear if Castro resigned or was fired. A spokesperson for the City of Downey declined to elaborate, citing “peace officer privacy laws.”

“With the above said, the Downey Police Department reiterates that it holds its employees to the highest ethical standards,” Police Chief Leslie Murray said in a statement. “We are committed to these standards and to providing quality public service to our community.

“When we become aware of possible misconduct, the allegations are thoroughly investigated and appropriate corrective action is taken. The Downey Police Department is committed to providing professional law enforcement services and it will work with the District Attorney’s Office as necessary and to the extent the law allows.”