More delays in case of Long Beach Police officer charged with stealing guns

Yet another delay came Wednesday in case of a Long Beach Police officer charged with stealing guns meant for the evidence locker.

Officer Damian Ramos, a five-year employee with the department, was arrested on Aug. 5 and pleaded not guilty on Aug. 9 to four counts each of grand theft of personal property, grand theft firearm and embezzlement by a police officer, along with one count of possession of an assault weapon.

The charge involves four firearms that were not booked into evidence after a call to a scrap yard to pick up 11 firearms, said Deputy District Attorney Alfred Coletta.

One of the four firearms was recovered, but the other three have not been found, according to the prosecutor.

Defense attorney Darold M. Shirwo told a judge at Ramos' arraignment that the officer is "innocent until proven guilty."

"This is a man that has been entrusted to protect society and he has," Shirwo said.

As the investigation continued one more Long Beach Police officer and a former LBPD officer were arrested in October in connection with the case.

Benjamin De Los Santos, a six-year LBPD employee, was arrested and booked for receiving stolen property, conspiracy, grand theft of firearms, embezzlement, and circulation of a false document.

Derrick Dinsmore, a former four-year employee of the police department,was arrested in the city of Walnut and was booked for receiving stolen property, accessory after the fact, and preparing false documentary evidence.

At the time of Ramos' arrest, detectives believed he acted alone. As the investigation progressed, however, additional evidence was discovered that led detectives to determine that the two additional suspects were also involved.

"This is an unfortunate situation, but we are committed to ensuring that every investigation of misconduct involving any of our employees is thorough and complete," Chief Jim McDonnell stated in a prepared statement

Both Ramos and De Los Santos were suspended from duty pending the outcome of the case, police department officials said.

Ramos is scheduled to return to the Downtown Los Angeles court on Jan. 31 for a preliminary hearing setting.

De Los Santos and Dinsmore are scheduled to appear at the Downtown courthouse on Jan. 20 for their preliminary hearing setting.