Larry Avrech, a young San Diego Police Officer, uncovered a scandal in his department. In August of 1984, his careful investigation revealed that the Commander of the Prostitution Enforcement detail was involved with a prostitute named Donna Marie Gentile. He became her “Sugar Daddy” and routinely paid for boarding her horse, co-signing for bail, paying her hospital bill when injured, and giving her cash twice to pay attorney’s fees. On a normal street stop, she told Avrech she had a Lieutenant in her hip pocket and was tired of being harassed. Suspecting corruption, Avrech befriended her in an attempt to obtain more information. He … Read More about Book Summary
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In 1984, a young San Diego Police Officer uncovered a dark scandal involving a young prostitute named Donna Marie Gentile.
Now, over 35 years later, he's ready to reveal who killed her and why.
Discover all the dirty gritty details of her murder; plus why over 40 other women were murdered and how their deaths are related.
Excerpts from the Book
Excerpt #23
The experiences I had to endure made it difficult to trust people for a long time. What I thought was a sure thing turned into a sham over and over again. The plans and goals I'd set for myself not only weren't happening, but I felt I kept … Read More about Excerpt #23
Excerpt #22
Once released from phase training. You are assigned to a squad and evaluated once a month by your Sergeant.I was originally assigned to Northeastern Division. Northeastern Division is a more affluent area of the city, but with fewer crime … Read More about Excerpt #22
Excerpt #21
I asked Gentile, "Who did you sleep with?" She stated, she was set up with Hargrove and had sex with him at the river. "Did you take any pictures on the trip?" I asked. Carl was developing the film and she'd have them later in the week. I … Read More about Excerpt #21
Reviews
This is wonderfully written "page turner" of a book the truth of which is meticulously documented. It is a record of how a good cop, Officer Avrech, was terminated from the San Diego police force because he was suspected of consorting with a prostitute 'though he'd never done so. A cabal of higher-ups in the force not only saw to it that Avrech never got a fair hearing but conducted a series of covert "dirty tricks" against him which cost him his wife, his kids, his source of income and his reputation. They did so because, they themselves, were using Avrech as a fall-guy to cover up their own misdeeds. Things got even worse for him when the prostitute over which this charade was about turned up dead.
In this true story, Officer Avrech tells how, in his effort to clear his name, he solves the mystery of who killed this prostitute and works with a newly forming task force to find the perpetrators behind myriad serial murders while decreasing the frequency of serial killings.
This book is a must read for law enforcement personnel and laymen as well, who care to delve into the heart of what law enforcement is like.
It has plenty of realistic action in it and personally, I'd like to see it made into a movie. I'm honored to know the author of this book personally. He's a real mentch (authentic person).
Benyomin Ellegant Memphis, TN
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I look at the cover and it makes me think Donna has been waiting for the truth to come out and her murderer exposed. With this book, it looks like she's about to get her wish.
Jeffery K. Bambara FL
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The last great police corruption book, Serpico. This is the west coast version. The death of a street worker leads to corruption, coverup and the attempt to ruin a good officer's life. A great read and yes, the truth San Diego doesn't want you the taxpayer to know. The author, Larry Avrech is the wrongfully accused officer. In the style of Joseph Wambaugh, Larry takes you back into time and into each tense situation.
Ron Carpenter Retired Air Traffic Controller
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When I first met Larry Avrech in the summer of 1985, he had been fired from SDPD due in part to testimony of a prostitute. When her body was discovered in East San Diego County, media speculation projected him as a suspect in her death, even when other prostitutes’ bodies were dropped in East San Diego County. Avrech steadfastly maintained his innocence, while losing his job and his wife. As the cloud of suspicion hung over his head, Avrech quietly went to work to exonerate himself while exposing police corruption in sunny San Diego's police department. This book is Avrech's vindication.
J. Stryker Meyer Police Reporter/Editor/Autho
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About The Author
Larry S. Avrech is a former San Diego Police Officer and a successful private investigator. During his vast law career, he has been instrumental in solving some of Southern California’s most prominent … Read More about About The Author