Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca is expected to retire, sources told the Los Angeles Times late Monday.
Baca has faced scandal and criticism from members of the L.A. County Board of Supervisors. An August Los Angeles Times editorial urged him not to seek reelection.
In December, 18 current and former Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department deputies were arrested and indicted on charges of conspiracy, obstruction, and giving false statements in connection with an FBI investigation. Deputies were accused of abusing inmates and visitors, in addition to other crimes.
"While the indictments were not unexpected, it is nevertheless a sad day for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department," Baca said in a statement following the indictments. "We do not tolerate misconduct by any deputies."
Baca has been sheriff since 1998. Up for reelection this year, he faced two former Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department employee opponents: Gardena Mayor Paul Tanaka, a former undersheriff, and Bob Olmsted, a former commander.
The Los Angeles County jail system is the largest in the country.