CATALINA ISLAND, Calif. – A yellow jail jumpsuit isn't the usual golf wear. But Canadian pro golfer-turned-thief Frank Carrillo says that's what he wore when a sheriff's official took him to a California golf course to get advice.
Los Angeles County Capt. Jeff Donahue is under investigation for allegations of having an inappropriate relationship with an inmate, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Donahue is on medical leave. A message left at his station seeking comment was not immediately returned Thursday.
Carrillo, 41, was serving two years after pleading guilty to stealing cash and jewelry from people at golf courses. He has since been released.
He was at the Men's Central Jail in downtown Los Angeles when his good behavior helped earn him a transfer to sunny Catalina, where he became a trusty.
"It was like camp," he said.
Word got around that he had been a professional golfer in Canada, and after meeting Donahue, Carrillo suggested that they play some golf.
"I knew it was a crazy thing to say," Carrillo told the Times. "But the first thing he said was, `Maybe I need a few pointers."'
The captain escorted him last summer in a patrol Jeep to a hilltop golf course, where Carrillo gave him advice to reduce a double-digit handicap, Carrillo said.
"He kind of has this swing that's old school and risky, but he hits it every time," Carrillo said.
The trip proved divisive among deputies at the station, where some thought it was illegal, according to Deputy William Cordero. Cordero , who disapproved, filed a claim contending that other deputies harassed him when he spoke out. He has since been transferred.
His claim alleges that Sheriff Lee Baca approved the outing.
Sheriff's spokesman Steve Whitmore disputed those claims.
"He would never do that," Whitmore said. "He would never condone taking a trusty out and having them go play golf."
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