William Worrell (1894-1977) was the corrupt Chief of Police of the LAPD from 1937 to 1950 and was one of the many people involved in the Suburban Redevelopment Fund. He was reveled to be corrupt in 1950.
Biography[]
Background[]
Although Chief of Los Angeles Police Force, Worrell was ultimately corrupt. He collaborated with the Mayor Fletcher Bowron, District Attorney Donald Sandler and several other important individuals in the Suburban Redevelopment Fund. Worrell contributed investment money into the development of new houses for returning G.I.s. However, the true intent of the group was to scam millions of dollars from the government. The plan was spearheaded by Leland Monroe. Worrell provided support using his status and authority as Police Chief to cover their illegal activities and corruption.
Events of 1947[]
Vice[]
Worrell met with Bowron, Sandler and Raymond Gordon to discuss the Vice department's scandal, involving a prostitute known as "Brenda". Unfortunately, their options were limited, and would consequently expose police corruption to the public and generate negative press. However, a solution was offered by Vice Detective Roy Earle. Earle offered another story for them to give to press to distract the public from their corruption, but in exchange to be part of their syndicate. Earle revealed to them Cole Phelps's extra-martial affair with Elsa Lichtmann. As Phelps was trying to close the stolen morphine case, he questioned Courtney Sheldon and Dr. Harlan Fontaine (who was also part of the SRF). Worrell appeared and interrupted Phelps' investigation, summoning him to his office where he revealed the adultery charges against him. Worrell suspended Phelps from the force, taking his gun, badge and harshly chastised him, and ordered him not to make any comments to the press. Ironically, Worrell's intervention also protected Fontaine and Sheldon from being discovered as part of the stolen morphine distribution.
Arson[]
Worrell appeared at the remains of the Nicholson Electroplating Plant. However, even while demoted into the lowly Arson Squad, Phelps and Arson Detective Herschel Biggs were able to uncover indications of Leland Monroe's conspiracy as well as Worrell's connection to it. The efforts of Phelps, Biggs, and District Attorney's Investigator Jack Kelso ultimately undid the SRF's plans and threatened to expose Worrell's involvement and corruption. To prevent this, Worrell sent out the entire police force to apprehend Kelso in order to silence him. Worrell was finally confronted by Leonard Petersen who sided with Kelso, Phelps, and Biggs. He warned Worrell that the conspiracy would be exposed, but gave him a chance to bargain his way out. It would appear that Bowron and Worrell were able to make a deal with Petersen, by securing him position as new district attorney, in exchange for keeping their corruption a secret. With his position secure, Worrell made a final appearance at Phelps' funeral.
Resignation[]
Despite all this, Chief Worrell kept his position as the Chief of Police for another three years. It however came to an end when him and Roy Earle were found corrupt and were forced to resign or face prison time.
Death[]
After his resignation, Worrell decided to keep a low profile and moved to the countryside and far away from Los Angeles. He was however spotted by a fan of Cole Phelps, who was armed with a Smith & Wesson .38 Revolver, loaded three rounds into him after what he'd done to Cole Phelps. He was later pronounced dead.