Ex-Rampart Officer Completes Probation

A former LAPD Rampart Division officer who pleaded guilty in 2003 to three crimes related to the beating of a reputed gang member had the charges against him dismissed after completing his probation, his attorney said Thursday.

A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge last month granted the request of Ethan Cohan to reduce his felony convictions of conspiring to obstruct justice and filing a false police report to misdemeanors. The judge ruled that a felony perjury conviction against Cohan could not be reduced but could be expunged from the former officer’s record along with the other charges.

Despite the dismissals, Cohan is required to disclose his convictions upon inquiry from any governmental agency, said his attorney, Bill Seki.

Cohan, 35, who completed law school after the LAPD fired him, sought modifications in his record to increase his chances of practicing law.