The officers whom Cisneros has accused deny his charges, but the Los Angeles Police Department has started an internal affairs investigation in one case as a result of a Times inquiry.

Prosecutors involved in the cases contend Cisneros’ retractions are irrelevant because they had enough evidence to convict the defendants without his help. Defense lawyers dispute this.

Cisneros says he is now admitting to being a liar because he wants to ease his guilty conscience and because he is angry.