Judge Says Police Improperly Targeted Gay Men In Sting Operation

LONG BEACH, Calif. (AP) - A judge says Long Beach police improperly targeted gay men with sting operations in public bathrooms.

The Long Beach Press-Telegram says a Superior Court judge on Friday dismissed charges of lewd conduct and indecent exposure against a man who was arrested in 2014.

Police say an undercover officer saw Rory Moroney exposing himself in a restroom. Moroney said the detective - a decoy in the vice unit - made eye contact and gestures indicating he wanted to have sex.

In his ruling, the judge said police targeted only gay men in lewd conduct operations that resulted in 55 arrests in two years.

In a statement, Police Chief Robert Luna said the department is committed to civil rights and equality.