Lee is the first Asian American to helm the Bureau; William Frayeh will serve as Assistant Chief 

April 2, 2025 – LOS ANGELES, CA – Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced on Tuesday that he has appointed law enforcement leader Tony Lee, who is currently serving as the interim Ventura Police Chief, as chief of the office’s Bureau of Investigation, the fourth-largest law enforcement agency in Los Angeles County with over 230 sworn investigators.

Lee, who becomes the first Korean American and Asian American to lead the Bureau, has more than 30 years of law enforcement experience, previously spending 26 years at the Beverly Hills Police Department and was the chief of police at the University of California, Los Angeles, for six years. He was named interim Ventura police chief in December 2024.

“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,” District Attorney 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.”

Lee will be sworn in early June 2025.

Lee ascended through the ranks while at the Beverly Hills Police Department, eventually becoming captain and often serving as acting police chief. He was responsible for managing the department’s Administrative Services, Field Services and Investigative units and also oversaw security operations for such high-profile events as the Golden Globes and the Los Angeles Marathon.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from California State University, Los Angeles, and received a master’s degree in public administration from California State University, Northridge.

Lee completed executive-level training at prestigious institutes such as the FBI National Academy, Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, the Senior Management Institute for Police and the Los Angeles Police Department’s West Point Leadership Program.

“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. I look forward to joining District Attorney Hochman and the experienced investigators who prioritize public safety and remain dedicated to carrying out our mission with accountability and integrity.”

District Attorney Hochman also announced William Frayeh will serve as Assistant Chief of the Bureau of Investigation. Frayeh has been the Acting Chief of the Bureau, playing a pivotal role in overseeing the Bureau’s operations and will continue serving in that capacity until Lee comes on board.

Frayeh is a seasoned law enforcement professional with over 30 years of experience. He began his career with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department before joining the District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation in 1998. Since then, he has served in various investigative and leadership capacities, demonstrating expertise in complex casework, tactical operations and multi-agency collaboration.

Frayeh holds a master’s degree in public administration and has completed advanced leadership training through the California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Command College and the FBI National Academy.

“Bill has been a true partner and leader in instilling in the Bureau a revitalized sense of mission focused on the safety of the residents of Los Angeles County,” District Attorney Hochman said. “I look forward to working with Tony and Bill, an All-Star lineup of law enforcement leaders, in holding criminals accountable for their actions and ensuring justice for all who come before the Los Angeles County criminal justice system.”

Source: Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office