Long Beach prosecutor will not appeal ruling in police sting operations targeting gay men

Long Beach City Prosecutor Doug Haubert said in a statement Wednesday the office will not appeal a court decision April 29 dismissing a case involving police use of vice stings that target gay men in public restrooms – “although we disagree with the court’s ruling.”

Long Beach Superior Court Judge Halim Dhanidina dismissed the case against Rory Moroney, 50, of Long Beach, who was arrested Oct. 15, 2014, at Recreation Park and charged with one count of misdemeanor indecent exposure and one count of lewd conduct. If Moroney would have been convicted of indecent exposure, he would have been required to register as a sex offender for life.

An undercover decoy in the vice unit said Moroney was masturbating in one of the park restrooms. Moroney, however, said Arcala’s eye contact and posturing indicated he wanted to have sex and wasn’t offended by the advances.

The case, including the judge’s harsh words about what he described as a discriminatory practice, called into question the use of these sting operations. Police said later they have used the operations far less often: three people were arrested in 2014, one in 2015 and zero thus far in 2016, according to department data.

In the statement Wednesday, Haubert said the city and police department have “worked hard to build a positive relationship with the LGBTQ community, a relationship built over many years and based on mutual respect and open dialogue. I do not think this ruling should hinder that relationship.”

Haubert said he has had very positive discussions with LGBTQ leaders, and is grateful they have shared their valid conces.

“There is no doubt that people here want the same thing, a balance of safety and faiess that will only make Long Beach a better place in which to live.”