At least 20 Los Angeles County probation officers are facing criminal indictments following an investigation by the California Attorney General’s office into their conduct at juvenile halls in the county. The union representing the officers confirmed that some members have received notices from the California Department of Justice to appear in criminal court. Defense attorney Tom Yu revealed that he is representing a supervisor in the probation department who has been named in an indictment related to incidents at Los Padrinos.
The investigation was triggered by a video published by The Times showing probation officers standing by while a teenager was violently attacked by other detainees at Los Padrinos. The disturbing footage depicted a group of youths taking turns assaulting the 17-year-old victim while officers looked on, laughed, and even interacted with the assailants. The victim suffered severe injuries, including a broken nose, internal injuries, severe bruising, and a moderate traumatic brain injury as a result of the attack.
Indictments Stemming from Disturbing Video
Sources familiar with the case revealed that the criminal indictments are directly linked to the investigation into the violent incident captured on video at Los Padrinos. Despite the sealed nature of the indictments, it is evident that the charges are serious and involve multiple defendants. The victim of the attack has been interviewed by investigators from the state attorney general’s office, shedding light on the brutality and misconduct that occurred within the juvenile hall.
In a civil claim filed by the victim, it was alleged that probation officers not only facilitated the fights but also encouraged the brutal assaults. Public defender Sherrie Albin emphasized that a probation department supervisor played a pivotal role in instigating the attacks by falsely labeling the victim as a racist, leading to the violent confrontation. This revelation underscores the deeply troubling dynamics at play within the probation department and the urgent need for accountability and reform.
Escalating Controversies and Calls for Change
The recent indictments are just the latest in a series of controversies surrounding the Los Angeles County probation department. Last year, the Bureau of State and Community Corrections ordered the closure of Los Padrinos due to systemic issues such as understaffing and safety concerns. This decision followed similar actions taken against other juvenile halls in the county, highlighting a pattern of mismanagement and neglect within the juvenile justice system.
The probation department’s persistent staffing crisis has contributed to chaotic and unsafe conditions in juvenile halls, leading to escalating violence and unrest. Both officers and advocates have raised serious concerns about the safety and well-being of youth in these facilities, calling for urgent reforms and oversight. The refusal of the probation department to comply with closure orders and the lack of accountability for past misconduct further underscore the need for systemic change.
In response to the indictments, probation officer union president Stacy Ford emphasized the importance of due process and fair treatment for members facing criminal charges. While acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations, Ford reiterated the union’s commitment to supporting its members through the legal process. The broader implications of these indictments extend beyond individual accountability to systemic failures and the urgent need for a cultural shift within the probation department.
As the investigation unfolds and more details emerge, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the victims of violence and holding those responsible accountable for their actions. The revelations of misconduct and abuse within the probation system serve as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the juvenile justice system and the critical importance of transparency, oversight, and reform. Only through a collective effort to address these issues can meaningful change be achieved.
Times Staff Writer Rebecca Ellis contributed to this report.
