Thirty Officers Accused of Allowing ‘Gladiator Fights’ between Minors at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall

California Attorney General Announces Charges

Thirty officers at the Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall are facing child abuse charges for coordinating “gladiator fights” between children at the center over a six-month period, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced Monday.

Nearly 70 Fights Occurred

Nearly 70 fights occurred at the juvenile hall between July 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023, with the altercations allowed and sometimes even encouraged, the attorney general alleged. According to Bonta’s announcement, 143 children were impacted by the fights, with many of them injured. The severity of their injuries was not disclosed.

Officers’ Deteriorating Behavior

“Officers at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall have a duty to ensure the safety and well-being of those under their care. Instead, the officers charged today did just the opposite – overseeing ‘gladiator fights’ when they should have intervened,” Bonta said in a statement. “The indictment – and the filing of criminal charges – is an important step toward holding these officers accountable and addressing shortfalls at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall. Let today’s charges be a warning for all those who abuse their power: the California Department of Justice is watching, and we will hold you accountable.”

The Investigation

The investigation began after a video of one of the “gladiator fights” was leaked last January. In one such video that was shared on social media, a minor is seen being attacked by other juveniles as detention officers watch. Some officers were seen laughing and shaking the hands of the attackers.

Arraignment and Charges

Of the 30 officers, 22 of them were arraigned on Monday. The remaining eight are scheduled to be arraigned on April 18. Their names were not disclosed.

The officers face charges that include child endangerment, child abuse, conspiracy, and battery.

Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall in Crisis

The troubled center has been the subject of criticism and even intervention by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, which declared a local emergency over the juvenile hall. The proclamation directs staff and attorneys to pursue remedies to keep the facility open, despite the state’s closure order. Personnel shortages have been the culprit of the hall’s problems, according to the local emergency order.

Conclusion

The allegations of “gladiator fights” at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall are a disturbing reminder of the failures of those responsible for the safety and well-being of the children in their care. The charges brought against the 30 officers are a necessary step towards holding them accountable for their actions. The California Department of Justice will continue to monitor the situation and ensure that those who abuse their power are brought to justice.

FAQs

* When did the investigation into the “gladiator fights” at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall begin?
+ The investigation began after a video of one of the “gladiator fights” was leaked last January.
* How many fights occurred at the juvenile hall during the six-month period in question?
+ Nearly 70 fights occurred.
* How many children were impacted by the fights?
+ 143 children were impacted, with many of them injured.
* What are the charges against the 30 officers?
+ The officers face charges of child endangerment, child abuse, conspiracy, and battery.