Biography
Willie Stafford was arrested after the Central Avenue raid. The Party paper spells his surname Safford; the corresponding appellate record uses Stafford. The court records his conviction for conspiracy to possess destructive devices and firebombs and affirmed the judgment on April 22, 1974. It also records a December 8, 1970 rearrest in Dallas after he left California while on bail. His detention periods must not be treated as one continuous stay. This historical record does not establish current custody. Total time detained and any unreported individual disposition remain unverified.
Los Angeles Panther raids and detention
Willie Stafford was arrested after the Central Avenue raid. The Party paper spells his surname Safford; the corresponding appellate record uses Stafford. The court records his conviction for conspiracy to possess destructive devices and firebombs and affirmed the judgment on April 22, 1974. It also records a December 8, 1970 rearrest in Dallas after he left California while on bail. His detention periods must not be treated as one continuous stay.
The December 8, 1969 Los Angeles police raids targeted Black Panther premises at Central Avenue, the Toure Community Center and a residence on 55th Street. The Party denounced the operation as political repression. Contemporary Party reports are attributed as such; their allegations of mistreatment are not presented as independent court findings.
Individual verdicts, physical release dates and time actually detained are recorded only where supported. The broader trial included acquittals on serious counts and some weapons-conspiracy convictions. It would be inaccurate to describe every raid defendant as acquitted of every charge.
