Two Cops Targeted in Rihanna Probe

LAPD officers sent home over potential photo link
By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff
Posted Sep 11, 2009 12:48 PM CDT
Two Cops Targeted in Rihanna Probe
Donald Etra, left, and Rihanna are seen during the preliminary hearing in the Chris Brown felony assault case on Monday, June 22, 2009, in Los Angeles County Superior Court.   (AP Photo/Lori Shepler, Pool)

A pair of LAPD officers have been put on paid leave as part of the department’s investigation into who leaked a picture of Rihanna’s battered face to TMZ, the Los Angeles Times reports. One, Rebecca Reyes, is a 9-year veteran of the force; the other, Blanca Lopez, is a rookie. Reyes’ attorney confirmed that a search warrant had been issued for her home.

“My client did not do anything for financial gain,” the lawyer said. “She did not sell the photo.” The photo in question, which showed the singer’s face following her assault at the hands of then-boyfriend Chris Brown, leaked to TMZ 2 weeks after police responded to the call, and sources confirm that at least two officers are being investigated. (More LAPD stories.)

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