Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Lana Kim is facing criticism for her frequent use of mental health diversion programs, a judicial tool that allows defendants to avoid criminal convictions and jail time. This practice has come under renewed scrutiny following a series of cases involving individuals accused of violent offenses, including at least nine violent felons in the past three years, according to one report. Kim, who stated in a 2023 profile that she does not want to "put anyone in jail," previously served as a prosecutor for approximately 15 years.
The controversy has intensified with the case of Courtney Perrone, 39, who was arrested in Santa Monica in August 2024 and accused of attempting to kidnap an 8-year-old girl. Perrone was placed in a mental health diversion program in February 2025, despite objections from prosecutors. She was last seen near the University of Southern California campus on May 17, and authorities report she is now missing from her treatment facility. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office criticized the decision, stating it was an example of a "dangerous pattern" and a "complete failure of this justice system."
According to police, Perrone allegedly approached a child and a neighbor in an alley, claimed to be with the Russian police, and attempted to abduct the girl. When the neighbor intervened, a struggle ensued, during which Perrone allegedly tried to force open the neighbor's car door and brandished a switchblade before fleeing. Officers later arrested her in a supermarket parking lot. Authorities also reported Perrone had outstanding warrants in New Hampshire for alleged stalking and forgery and was on probation following a conviction for assault with a deadly weapon in Nevada.
Another case involves Lisa Heflin, who was accused of leading Los Angeles police on a high-speed chase in 2024 that concluded with her driving the wrong way on the 405 Freeway and causing a multi-vehicle collision. Despite prosecutors' objections, Heflin was admitted into a diversion program instead of facing jail time.
Perhaps the most prominent challenge to Kim's judicial approach came in the case of Job Taylor, accused of carrying out three unprovoked attacks with a metal pipe in Santa Monica on March 3, 2023. Two victims were hospitalized, one sustaining severe, life-altering injuries. Prosecutors alleged Taylor shouted racial slurs during the attacks and stated he had been sent to target Black residents. Kim granted Taylor entry into Los Angeles County’s mental health diversion program on March 12, 2025.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office appealed this decision, and California’s Second District Court of Appeal initially sided with prosecutors on September 30, 2025, finding that Taylor had a history of abandoning treatment and continued to pose a danger to the community. After granting Taylor a rehearing, the appellate court again ruled against the diversion on March 5, 2026, concluding that the trial court had abused its discretion. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman described the outcome as a "meaningful win for public safety in California," emphasizing that diversion may be appropriate for non-violent offenses but not for defendants who pose an unreasonable risk to public safety due to violent acts.
Kim ran unopposed for her Los Angeles Superior Court seat, with endorsements from 59 sitting judges. She was admitted to the California bar in 2004 and earned her law degree from Whittier College. Judge Kim respectfully declined to comment on these matters, citing judicial ethics rules.