Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced on April 1 that he has appointed law enforcement veteran Tony Lee, who currently serves as interim chief of the Ventura Police Department, as chief of the office’s Bureau of Investigations.

Lee, who becomes the first Korean American and Asian American individual to lead the bureau, has more than 30 years of law enforcement experience, previously spending 26 years at the Beverly Hills Police Department. Lee also served for six years as chief of police at the University of California, Los Angeles. Lee will start the new position in early June.

“Tony brings more than three decades of law enforcement experience and has demonstrated exceptional leadership, a profound knowledge of how law enforcement operates and an unwavering commitment to the pursuit of justice,” Hochman said. “The work that our investigators do is vital to protecting the communities we serve. Tony is the ideal choice for this esteemed position and his leadership will bring renewed focus in our efforts to hold offenders accountable, ensuring every investigation is conducted with the highest standards of fairness and professionalism.”

“I am honored and humbled to step into this role as bureau chief for one of the finest law enforcement agencies in the nation,” Lee said. “I recognize that my leadership is not just about breaking barriers but a commitment to the bureau and the residents of Los Angeles County that we will work to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and public service.”